The Queensland Reds have been hit by injuries ahead of Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Western Force, forcing coach Ewen McKenzie to make five positional changes.

Centre Anthony Faingaa (hamstring) and flanker Scott Higginbotham (gluteus muscle) have been ruled out while hooker James Hanson (ankle) will come off the bench at Suncorp Stadium.

Hanson’s injury sustained in the dying moments of the 25-21 opening round win over NSW has thrust converted prop Albert Anae into the No.2 jersey for his first ever Super Rugby run on start.

Wallabies No.8 Radike Samo has been promoted from the bench in a reshuffled back row where Jake Schatz will move into Higginbotham’s No.6 jersey.

Backline utility Jono Lance will start at inside centre with Ben Tapuai moving to outside centre in place of midfield partner Faingaa.

Queensland have also named two changes on the bench with flanker Eddie Quirk and winger Rod Davies, in his return from hamstring strain, set to make their first appearance of 2012.

“There are a few changes but we are lucky in that we have strong depths and aren’t forced to rush Anthony or Scott back before they are ready,” said McKenzie.

“We don’t want a one week injury turning into a one month injury.”

Queensland: Luke Morahan, Dom Shipperley, Ben Tapuai, Jono Lance, Digby Ioane, Mike Harris, Will Genia; Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Albert Anae, Ben Daley. Res: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Van Humphries, Eddie Quirk, Liam Gill, Ben Lucas, Rod Davies.