Reds punt on Daley’s Super Rugby grunt

Queensland coach Richard Graham has rushed aggressive prop Ben Daley back as one of four changes for Saturday’s must-win Super Rugby clash with the Hurricanes.

Daley has been sidelined for five weeks with a knee injury but will make a shock return at loose-head in a reshaped Reds front-row at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.

Graham likes the former Wallaby’s rugged enthusiasm and expects him to set the tone in getting his side’s “competitive juices flowing”.

“The first 30-40 minutes in the game, his instruction is to be physical,” he said. “Ben’s one of those guys who lead from the front physically.

“I like that approach and, if you have two forwards with that latent aggression, then the rest of the group jump in behind.”

Graham’s other major surprise is dumping winger Rod Davies to the bench and promoting rookie Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.

Taulagi will start on the left wing, forcing Chris Feauai-Sautia across to the right for a rippling sideline showdown with All Blacks star Julian Savea.

Mike Harris returns from an achilles problem to replace Anthony Fainga’a and take the key role as the Reds’ backline defensive linchpin.

Saia Fainga’a has been rewarded for his second-half display in the 23-20 loss to the Brumbies to start at hooker while James Slipper switches to tight-head with Daley’s inclusion in the front-row.

Queensland skipper James Horwill plays his 100th Super Rugby match as the 12th-placed Reds must end a 16-year drought in Wellington to keep in playoff contention.

After three losses to start the season, the Hurricanes sit seventh following three straight wins over the Crusaders, Bulls and Blues.

“The Hurricanes are in good form,” Graham said. “The game will be high paced and we’ll need to manage it well to get the right outcome.”

Reds: Ben Lucas, Chris Feauai-Satutia, Ben Tapuai, Mike Harris, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, Anthony Fainga’a, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Beau Robinson, Eddie Quirk, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Fainga’a, Ben Daley. Res: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Jono Owen, Ed O’Donoghue, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Anthony Fainga’a. Rod Davies.

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