Queensland will attempt to burn the Cheetahs with sheer speed and creative counter-attack to continue a successful Super Rugby record on South Africa’s high veldt.
Unbeaten at altitude in the past three seasons with Quade Cooper running the show, the Reds have slotted blazing finisher Luke Morahan into fullback to tag team with the mercurial flyhalf and “Rocket” Rod Davies from kick returns on Sunday morning (AEST).
Despite their reputation as a free-running team, the Cheetahs are one of the most prolific kicking sides in the competition and Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie is keen to have pacy options at the back.
The Cheetahs were stung by the counterattacking Hurricanes in a surprise home loss last weekend and the Reds aim to deliver a similar challenge at Free State Stadium.
“As much as people think they run, and they do run, they also kick a lot,” McKenzie told AAP from Bloemfontein.
“The Hurricanes made some really good breaks on counterattack with good running so there’s opportunities.”
Jono Lance’s shoulder injury opened the door for Western Force-bound Morahan’s first start in seven weeks, chosen ahead of utility back Ben Lucas.
“Luke is a very attack-oriented fullback and we expect him to give us some thrust from the back,” McKenzie said.
“Luke suits what we want to do.
“He’s also done well in South Africa, scoring tries, and that’s one of those things we’re mindful of.”
Lance has been Cooper’s defensive stand-in in the front-line but Morahan’s selection could see the 38-Test playmaker defend like a traditional No.10 instead of dropping back.
But McKenzie hinted Cooper could stay at fullback in defence, and Morahan move to the wing.
“The more blokes (who can run it back) the better,” said the coach, who is also wary the seventh-placed Cheetahs will prey on any errors.
“The Cheetahs are a team that can score tries from turnovers so we have to make sure we control the ball, and control the tempo of the game.
“They like to move the ball from side to side, so all that, plus they have the physicality up front so it’s a pretty complicated team to play against.”
Cheetahs five-eighth Burton Francis has been made a scapegoat from the 39-34 loss to the Hurricanes with journeyman Elgar Watts picked at No.10.
Morahan is one of two changes to fourth-placed Queensland’s team with captain James Horwill making his expected return to the second-row from a head knock.
Wallabies centre Ben Tapuai remains on the bench following Chris Feauai-Sautia’s strong display, while Ben Daley replaces Albert Anae as reserve prop.
