Speedy winger Rod Davies returns to the starting line-up for the struggling, injury-riddled Queensland Reds in Friday’s Super Rugby home clash with the Highlanders.
Davies replaces youngster Jamie-Jerry Taulagi while Wallaby prop James Slipper will also start after completing his three-match suspension and flanker Liam Gill returns via the bench after missing two matches through injury.
That’s about as good as the news gets for the last-placed Reds, who have an ugly 3-9 win-loss record and meet a buoyant young Highlanders outfit who are sixth on the ladder and pushing for a finals spot.
Coach Richard Graham’s choices were limited after further injuries forced more changes.
In the forwards, hooker Saia Fainga’a (calf) and props Jono Owen (back) and Ben Daley (thumb) are unavailable due to injuries picked up in the last-start loss to the Melbourne Rebels and flanker Eddie Quirk was a late withdrawal after rupturing his ACL at training this week.
In the backs, utility Ben Lucas takes over from Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper (shoulder) who is out for the season along with centre Chris Feauai-Sautia (shoulder).
The injuries mean three young players – hooker Andrew Ready, prop Sef Faagase and centre Samu Kerevi – are all set to make their debuts for Queensland from the bench.
The match will be halfback Will Genia’s 100th for Queensland.
Reds team: Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley, Ben Tapuai, Anthony Fainga’a, Rod Davies, Ben Lucas, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Beau Robinson, Curtis Browning, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, James Hanson, James Slipper. Res: Andrew Ready, Albert Anae, Sef Faagase, Dave McDuling, Liam Gill, Nick Frisby, Samu Kerevi, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.