Karmichael Hunt
Cocaine-tainted code-hopper Karmichael Hunt will make his 1st start for the Reds since his 6-week ban, when he dons the No 15 jersey against the Bulls at Loftus on Saturday.
Hunt is one of 6 changes for the beleaguered Reds, with injuries and suspensions playing their part.
Lock Rob Simmons will play his 1st game of the 2015 season this weekend, returning from a shoulder injury to take his place in the starting side.
Simmons replaces James Horwill, who is serving a 1-week suspension for striking.
Saia Fainga’a returns to the starting side, with James Hanson moved to the bench.
Injury to Jake Schatz has forced a shuffle in the back row, with Curtis Browning starting at blindside flank and Adam Thomson shifting to No 8.
In the backs, injury to Quade Cooper means Nick Frisby resumes the role of starting flyhalf.
A recurrence of a calf injury has ruled out James O’Connor, meaning Lachie Turner shifts to the wing and Hunt returns to the starting lineup at fullback.
Reds head coach Richard Graham said: “It’s good to have Rob Simmons back.
“It has been a frustrating injury for him. He hasn’t played a game now since late November last year.
“It can be difficult to put a timeline on recovery for a nerve injury, but the staff and he have worked together very well to ensure they get the process right and Rob can return confident in his body.
“Karmichael has trained with the team for the past few weeks and played about 20 minutes last weekend.
“He hasn’t said a great deal but I can tell he is really looking forward to getting into the game from the start.
“He is an excellent communicator and having him involved will assist Will Genia and Nick Frisby with the shape of our game.”
“James O’Connor has suffered another calf strain. He got through the Rebels match but after the flight he pulled up tight and sore.
“It is obviously not ideal given we were starting to get the playing squad back to full health but we don’t expect it’ll keep him out for a long period.”
Graham has named 6 forwards and 2 backs on the reserves bench, with Reds development squad member Adam Korczyk a chance to make his debut.
“We have gone with a 6 – 2 split on the bench this weekend.
“I believe it’ll assist the way tactically we want to play the game and should give us some good run at the back end.”
Reds: 15 Karmichael Hunt, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Anthony Fainga’a, 11 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 10 Nick Frisby, 9 Will Genia, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Curtis Browning, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Dave McDuling, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 Saia Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Sef Faagase, 19 Marco Kotze, 20 Tom Murday, 21 Adam Korczyk, 22 Ben Tapuai, 23 Chris Kuridrani.
Date: Saturday 11 April
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-Off: 19:10 SA Time (17:10 GMT, Sunday 03:10 AEST)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Lesego Legoete (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
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