The Queensland Reds have been boosted by the return of experienced pair James Horwill and Ben Tapuai for Saturday night’s Super Rugby showdown with the NSW Waratahs.

Reds coach Richard Graham has made just two changes to the starting side that lost to the Highlanders last week, with both Horwill and Tapuai overcoming injuries in time to face the defending champions at Suncorp Stadium.

Former Wallabies skipper Horwill, who damaged his hand against the Western Force two weeks ago, replaces Marco Kotze at lock, while Tapuai comes in for centre Samu Kerevi, who has not recovered from a cork suffered last week.

“James Horwill’s hand has mended well and it’s good to get him back. He has a lot of experience at this level which adds a good balance to the forward pack,” Graham said.

“Ben Tapuai is itching to be involved after a longer than expected pre-season as a result of his hamstring injury.

“He has spent the last few weeks with the team and is familiar with the way we want to play.”

Graham said the Reds were looking forward to renewing hostilities with their oldest rivals.

“The rivalry between the two states goes back over a 100 years,” he said.

“We cannot forget all those past players who have represented Queensland, only 1300 in total.

“Before Super Rugby this fixture would have been the biggest game most of them played in during their rugby careers and, while today’s players have the opportunity to play a lot more games against many other teams, we cannot forget the tradition of this game and those players who put Queensland rugby on the map.”

Queensland Reds: Lachie Turner, Chris Kuridrani, Ben Tapuai, Anthony Fainga’a, Chris Feauai-Sautia, James O’Connor, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Adam Thomson, James Horwill, Dave McDuling, Sam Talakai, Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper (capt). Res: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Marco Kotze, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Sam Johnson, Campbell Magnay.