Injuries to stand-in skipper James Slipper and No.10 Jono Lance have forced Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn to drastically shuffle his pack ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby clash with the Lions.

Slipper (collarbone) and Lance (concussion) were both victims of last weekend’s humbling at the hands of the Chiefs, while first-choice skipper Scott Higginbotham is still on the sidelines.

It means in-form centre Samu Kerevi will assume the captaincy, while 37-year-old flanker George Smith will return to the run-on side after an impressive second-half in his return from back surgery last Saturday.

Winger Jordan Petaia and flyhalf Hamish Stewart will make their Super Rugby run-on debuts, while former Brumbies prop JP Smith will start for the Reds for the first time in Slipper’s absence.

Petaia, who recently became the Reds’ youngest-ever Super Rugby debutant, has earned his first Super Rugby start on the wing, ahead of the benched Izaia Perese.

Dalby 19-year-old Harry Hoopert is a chance of making his debut, while Adam Korczyk and Duncan Paia’aua also return to the bench.

“We’ve got a big challenge ahead of us this weekend,” Thorn said.

“The Lions, being last year’s finalists, are an impressive team. It’s no secret we were disappointed with how we started the match last weekend and the guys are determined to get back out there and put in an 80-minute performance.

“It’s an exciting moment for Hamish and Jordan, earning their first starts in Super Rugby. They’re talented, hard-working young men who will make the most of the opportunity.”

Reds players will wear socks from their school or club in recognition of Rugby Family Round, which celebrates grassroots football.