The Queensland Reds have pitch-forked unheralded utility back Dallan Murphy into their playmaking hot seat for Sunday morning’s (AEDT) Super Rugby clash with the Bulls in Pretoria.

Murphy, who has just two minutes of competition experience, takes over at five-eighth following hamstring injuries to Ben Lucas and Mike Harris in the Reds’ 27-22 loss to the Sharks last weekend.

With Wallabies star Quade Cooper still sidelined and Jono Lance required for duty in the centres, the 23-year-old will go from fifth-string five-eighth to wearing the No.10 at Loftus Versfeld.

Lance will team with Ben Tapuai in the midfield while Luke Morahan takes over from the suspended Digby Ioane in a depleted backline.

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie has made three changes to his starting pack with prop Ben Daley replacing Greg Holmes at loose-head, hooker Saia Faingaa coming in for James Hanson and lock Rob Simmons returning in favour of Van Humphries.

Queensland: Rod Davies, Dom Shipperley, Jono Lance, Ben Tapuai, Luke Morahan, Dallan Murphy, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley. Interchange: James Hanson, James Slipper, Radike Samo, Van Humphries, Liam Gill, Nick Frisby, Nathan Eyres-Brown.