Queensland Reds coach Ewan Mckenzie has selected a strong squad for his team’s first pre-season match against the Crusaders on Saturday, January 29 in Cairns.

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The Reds will have the services of all of their front line players for the clash with the seven-times Super Rugby champions, including captain James Horwill, vice-captain Will Genia, as well as Wallabies Quade Cooper, Saia Faingaa, Digby Ioane and Guy Shepherdson.

The last time the two sides met the Reds staged a famous upset, beating the powerful Kiwi outfit 41-20 in round two of the 2010 season.

The Reds will want a solid outing in their first match of the season as they look to improve on an impressive campaign last season which saw them finish in fifth place, just short of a semifinal spot.

Forwards: Albert Anae, Ben Coridas, Ben Daley, Saia Faingaa, Liam Gill, James Hanson, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, James Horwill (captain), Leroy Houston, Van Humphries, David McDuling, Beau Robinson, Radike Samo, Guy Shepherdson, James Slipper, Lei Tomiki.
Backs: Will Chambers, Quade Cooper, Rod Davies, Will Genia, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Kimami Sitauti, Ben Tapuai, Aidan Toua.