Reds tweak back row for Crusaders
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s clash against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium.
Harry Hockings will start at lock, as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto shifts to blindside flank for the Reds first home match of 2019.
A reshuffle to the back row sees Angus Scott-Young at No.8, with Caleb Timu on the bench.
Timu will form a formidable back row interchange pairing with Scott Higginbotham, who is set to play his first Super Rugby game of 2019 after missing last week’s trip to Dunedin with a shoulder injury.
Powerhouse front-rower JP Smith will also make his return from injury (knee) this weekend after being named alongside Higginbotham on the bench.
After causing plenty of headaches for the Highlanders defence, Queensland’s backline remains the same from last week.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “It’s good to have Higgers and JP back. They bring good experience and provide us with a strong bench.
“Harry has been working hard at training and deserves his spot in the starting side this week.
“Lukhan and Angus are both big mobile players who provide us with good versatility and options in the back row.
“The Crusaders are an experienced team. We can’t wait to play in front of our home fans and see the stands filled with maroon,” said Thorn.
Reds: 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Samu Kerevi (captain), 11 Sefa Naivalu, 10 Hamish Stewart, 9 Moses Sorovi, 8 Angus Scott-Young, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Feao Fotuaika.
Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Caleb Timu, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Duncan Paia’aua, 23 Isaac Lucas.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 18.45 (21.45; NZ time; 08.45 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Damon Murphy (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
