SA-born twins reunited at Reds
NEWS: The Queensland Reds have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s Super Rugby AU clash against the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium.
Chris Feauai-Sautia returns from a calf injury and will start on the right wing.
It sees Jordan Petaia shift to outside centre to cover for the loss of Josh Flook who is sidelined following surgery for a dislocated shoulder.
After successfully returning from a knee injury against the Force on the Gold Coast, Harry Hoopert will start at loosehead prop in favour of Jack Straker this weekend.
The Smith twins are officially back together at Ballymore and find themselves as Queensland’s front row finishing pair in two-of-three changes on the bench.
Ruan has reunited with his former Queensland teammates after he was released from his contract at the Rebels, while JP will make his return from a neck injury.
In a further boost, Hunter Paisami has also recovered from injury and takes his place in the 23.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “We’re expecting a good battle against the Brumbies. They’ve proved the top side this season and we’re expecting a tough contest on Saturday.
“We look forward to being in front of our Queensland fans after playing the Brumbies twice in Canberra this year.
“The bye came at a good time for us with some guys given that extra week to recover from injury. It’s a good boost having Chris, JP and Hunter all back and available to play this week.
“It’s great to see Ruan back at Ballymore. He’s slotted straight back in here and the group has got around him. He brings good experience to our pack at the backend of the season,” said Thorn.
Queensland Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Harry Hoopert.
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Hunter Paisami.
Date: Saturday, September 5
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.20 (09.20 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Damon Murphy
TMO: Jordan Way
