Queensland Reds sharpshooter Mike Harris has declared his injured hamstring completely healed to ensure his radar-like goalkicking will be a clutch weapon against the Stormers in Brisbane.
As first-choice No.10 Quade Cooper closes in on his own comeback by playing social touch, fellow playmakers Harris and Ben Lucas make their Super Rugby returns on Friday night after they suffered untimely hamstring strains a month ago in Durban.
It seems unlikely both will start against the Cape Town-based Stormers but their kicking skills – both for goal and out of the hands – will be crucial against the best defensive team in the competition.
The Stormers fell to their first defeat of the season against the Crusaders in Christchurch last Saturday night as the home side executed a field-position game plan that led to new five-eighth Tom Taylor slotting eight penalty goals in a 31-24 win.
The Reds executed a similar strategy to great effect for an upset 19-6 win in Cape Town a year ago, with Cooper kicking five from five and Harris starring with a late try at inside centre.
While Cooper is still a fortnight or more away from returning from his knee reconstruction, Harris showed the value of his boot at the start of 2012 with 16 from 16 as he guided the Reds to three straight wins.
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has hinted he must decide whether to start with Harris or Lucas and finish the match with the other due to the intensity of the contest over 80 minutes, but Harris has shown his hunger to start.
“I’ve had a good few weeks to get the hamstring strong so kicking won’t be a problem,” he said.
“You always look to play the big games.
“I really look forward to the pressure comes with that.”
McKenzie hasn’t discounted the claims of rookie flyhalf Sam Lane who produced an admirable debut in the 20-13 win over the Brumbies a fortnight ago but the 21-year-old, a Stormers prospect himself last year, may have to bide his time again.
“We’re going to play one of the, if not the, most physical teams in the competition,” he said.
“They manhandle and they did a good job on the Bulls just a week after we (lost 61-8 to the Bulls).
“They were one of the best defensive teams last year and have retained that status and they’ve definitely improved their attack.”
Wallabies five-eighth Cooper will again be waterboy at Suncorp Stadium but he was looking forward to scoring tries himself after being booked in for two mixed touch matches – including one with a University of Queensland physiotherapy team.
“Training stepping up this week with a return to touch rugby tonight..:) nothing serious but shit I damn exciting (sic) to run around with my team,” he tweeted on Monday.
