Reds forwards James Hanson and Radike Samo receive their first starting opportunity for 2011 when a revamped lineup takes on the undefeated Stormers in Cape Town.
Five changes have been made to the starting forward pack with Hanson getting his first Reds’ Super Rugby starting appearance following seven previous caps from the bench.
Samo, who has been dynamic from the bench the past three weeks after missing the opening of the season through injury, has earned selection at blindside flanker with Scott Higginbotham shifting to number eight.
The other two changes see Ben Daley and Rob Simmons regain their spots at loosehead prop and lock respectively after being chosen as replacements in the Reds most recent 30-25 victory over the Lions.
“Bringing in James and Radike is a representation of the style of game we are aiming to play against the Stormers, with both more than capable of stepping up against one of the best forward packs in the competition,” head coach Ewen McKenzie said.
“James has excelled in every challenge put before him this season and we believe his style is best suited to commence the game.
“Our bench has been a major strength for us all season and having the capability of injecting a Wallaby in Saia Faingaa and key players later in the game should pay dividends.”
In the backs livewire Digby Ioane returns to the wing with Luke Morahan named at fullback.
The versatile Mike Harris, who kicked three conversions and three penalties in a perfect night with the boot against the Lions, has gained selection at inside centre with incumbent Anthony Faingaa moving to the number 13 jersey.
“Anthony is no stranger to playing at outside centre and he was chosen to cover that position in the Wallabies end of season tour last year,” McKenzie said.
“One of our main backline strengths is the versatility of many players to play in multiple positions and we believe we have found the right balance for this week.”
McKenzie again has a wealth of talent at his disposal on the bench with Will Chambers and Liam Gill the only two new faces from the 22-man squad that played the Lions.
Reds team (from fullback): Luke Morahan, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (vc), Scott Higginbotham, Beau Robinson, Radike Samo, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, James Hanson, Ben Daley.
Replacements: Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Leroy Houston, Liam Gill, Ian Prior, Will Chambers.