The Queensland Reds have rushed Wallabies centre Anthony Faingaa back from injury and will unleash hungry Wallabies winger Digby Ioane against the Blues’ midfield bruise brothers on Friday night.
While Faingaa will make a surprise return from the bench at Auckland’s Eden Park, Ioane is champing at the bit to wreak havoc at outside centre following his controversial five-week Super Rugby suspension.
The Test winger faces a tough return assignment against tackle-busting All Blacks Ma’a Nonu and Rene Ranger but Ioane is in peak shape and ready to release his frustration.
Among the fittest players in the game, the 21-Test flyer has a history of hitting the ground running and is confident of producing his lethal best in what’s a crunch game for the defending champions.
“I’m just hungry to get on the field – it’s been five weeks,” Ioane said.
“It’s like I just started a full pre-season. I doubt there will be any rust. I’ve been playing the game for too long.
“We’ve been struggling but I’m just glad to be part of the team again.
“I’ll just help the backline because it’s very young.
“I just want to touch the ball as many times as I can.”
With the Reds suffering four losses from their past five matches, Ioane and Faingaa’s comebacks couldn’t be better timed.
They sit third in the Australian conference, just five points from the leading Brumbies, but they enter a difficult three-match stint against Kiwi outfits the Blues, Crusaders and Chiefs.
“This is where it all counts,” Ioane said.
“The New Zealand teams are going to be tough – it’s a tough timetable but we’re all looking forward to it.”
While the under-achieving Blues are running last in the competition following five straight losses, they still boast a quality roster and have been close to toppling the Highlanders and Sharks in the past fortnight.
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has been forced to select Faingaa (foot) for his first match in nine weeks due to long-term injuries to Sam Lane (knee) and Ben Tapuai (collarbone) but the World Cup centre says he’s prepared to play a full game if required.
Faingaa travelled to Auckland in a 23-man squad on Wednesday with lock Adam Wallace-Harrison also making the flight as a replacement for Van Humphries (arm).
Possible Reds team: Luke Morahan, Rod Davies, Digby Ioane, Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley, Ben Lucas, Will Genia, Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, James Hanson, Ben Daley. Res: Albert Anae, Greg Holmes, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Nick Frisby, Anthony Faingaa.
