Reds coach Richard Graham has made two changes to his starting team to face the Brumbies in a Super Rugby clash on Friday, the Reds’ official website reports.
Chris Feauai-Sautia returns on the wing for his first start since injuring his hamstring in against the Lions in Johannesburg three weeks ago, replacing Jamie-Jerry Taulagi who moves to the reserves, while Anthony Fainga’a will start at inside centre in place of Mike Harris.
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Harris complained of Achilles tendon soreness following last weekend’s match and may be named on the Reds’ reserves bench later in the week.
If Harris is not deemed fit for this weekend’s match, David McDuling will be named on the bench in what could mark his Reds debut.
“Mike pulled up sore on Sunday morning with an Achilles problem. I have bracketed him on the bench but won’t know until Friday as to whether or not he’ll be available,” said Graham.
“We are fortunate to have Ant (Fainga’a) as a straight replacement. He brings a lot of experience to the midfield having been with the Reds since 2009 and capped 23 times for the Wallabies.
“Chris (Feauai-Sautia) has worked hard during the past four weeks and looks in really good shape. His explosive running will be an asset for us.”
Also on the bench, Saia Fainga’a returns to the 23 after a shoulder injury ruled him out of the last two games. Should he make the field, this will be Fainga’a’s 100th Super Rugby appearance.
“Saia has done everything required of him during the week and will be a good addition to the game when required. He will potentially play his 100th game of Super Rugby of which 73 are for the Reds.
“The chance to share it with his brother will mean a lot to the both of them.”
Kick-off for Friday’s game in Brisbane kicks off at 11:40 (SA time) on Friday.
Reds: 15 Ben Lucas, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Anthony Fainga’a, 11 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Beau Robinson, 6 Eddie Quirk, 5 James Horwill (Captain), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 James Hanson, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Saia Fainga’a, 17 Albert Anae, 18 Jono Owen, 19 Ed O’Donoghue, 20 Curtis Browning, 21 Nick Frisby, 22 Mike Harris / Dave McDuling, 23 Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.