Rocket Rod grounded by hamstring tear

Fitting the correct pieces into the Queensland Reds’ backline jigsaw puzzle has become trickier with a new hamstring scare for electric winger Rod Davies.

Australia’s fastest Super Rugby player, Davies suffered a low-grade tear last week and is unlikely to play Queensland’s two pre-season games.

The 22-year-old’s dreadful history with hamstring problems has coach Ewen McKenzie taking an ultra-cautious approach to ensure the one-Test Wallaby is fit to start the Reds’ title defence on February 25.

Davies is resigned to missing both trials to ensure there’s no repeat of 2010 when he tore his hamstring three times.

“It’s not the best thing to happen at this time of the year,” he told AAP.

“It’s not too major so hopefully I don’t miss too many matches and will be right for round one or two.”

A hat-trick hero in last year’s semi-final blitz over the Blues, Davies made his name on the wing but is among four contenders for the Reds’ fullback jersey.

Although most attention has been given to the fight for No.10 with star playmaker Quade Cooper (knee) sidelined until April, McKenzie doesn’t see it as his biggest selection dilemma.

There’s as much of a cloud over who to play at fullback, as well as what style of outside centre would best suit a star-studded backline that boasts eight Wallabies.

With Kiwi recruit Mike Harris expected to get first crack at five-eighth, Davies, fellow winger Luke Morahan, utility Ben Lucas and incumbent Jono Lance are all in the mix to take the custodian’s role and wear No.15.

Cooper last year defended at fullback, forcing Lucas and Lance to defend in the front line, but that won’t occur this season.

Impressed by his hunger and training form, McKenzie said it was a real frustration for an improved Davies to be grounded before the opening February 11 trial against the Brumbies in Cairns.

“It’s relatively minor but given the history we’re more cautious than not,” he told AAP.

“He’s been in good form and spirit so it’s a shame.”

McKenzie also reserved special praise to the training efforts of Morahan who, like Davies, can give Queensland more attacking menace from the back with his pace and evasive skills.

Backline defensive linchpin Anthony Faingaa is also set to be rested from trials against the Brumbies and Force following shoulder surgery at the end of a heavy 2011 season.

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