Reds change two for Sunwolves
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have made two changes to the starting team which defeated the Melbourne Rebels last week, as they prepare for their last match of the 2018 Super Rugby season against the Sunwolves.
Veteran flank George Smith was unable to recover from a knee injury in time for this Friday’s match, meaning he will be forced to watch from the sidelines before heading offshore to take up a contract with Bristol Bears in the UK.
The one change to the starting forward pack sees versatile forward Lukhan Tui return to the starting side in the second row, with Kane Douglas dropping out of the matchday 23.
In the backs, youngster Tate McDermott has earned his first Super Rugby start at scrumhalf, with Moses Sorovi shifting to the bench.
The Reds have also made a number of changes to the reserves, opting for six forwards and two backs.
Bond University Queensland Country and Australian Under-20s lock Angus Blyth is in line to make his potential Queensland and Super Rugby debut, after being brought onto the bench, taking the place freed up by Lukhan Tui’s promotion.
Adam Korczyk has also found a spot in the matchday 23 for the first time since Round 13, when the Reds and Sunwolves last met.
Utility back Teti Tela from Brisbane club Souths is also in line for a potential Queensland and Super Rugby debut, having been named on the bench for the second week in a row.
Reds: 15 Jono Lance, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Hamish Stewart, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Scott Higginbotham (captain), 7 Liam Wright, 6 Caleb Timu, 5 Lukhan Tui, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Jean-Pierre Smith.
Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Adam Korczyk, 22 Moses Sorovi, 23 Teti Tela.
Date: Friday, July 13
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.45 (18.45 Japan time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Damon Murphy (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
