The Reds have made a host of changes, while the Rebels made one for their crucial Super Rugby AU game in Brisbane on Saturday.
In a boost for the Reds, 20-year-old Jordan Petaia has been named on the wing. Petaia withdrew from last week’s side following the death of his father.
His return has forced a backline reshuffle, with Jock Campbell moving from wing to fullback and Bryce Hegarty dropping to the bench.
Livewire halfback Tate McDermott returns to the starting side, with Samoan international Scott Maloua reverting to the bench.
Up front, tighthead prop Jack Straker comes in for Dane Zander, while coach Brad Thorn has opted to bring flank Fraser McReight into the loose trio in place of Angus Scott-Young.
Rebels coach Dave Wessels has selected Pone Fa’amausili at loosehead prop at the expense of Jermaine Ainsley.
Wessels has kept faith with Andrew Deegan at flyhalf and captain Matt To’omua at inside centre.
Reds – 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Lolo, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Jack Straker.
Subs: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Jethro Felemi, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Scott Malolua, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Josh Floot.
Rebels – 15 Reece Hodge, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Campbell Magnay, 12 Matt To’omua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Andrew Deegan, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Trevor Hosea, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Pone Fa’amausili, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Cameron Orr.
Subs: 16 Efitusi Ma’afu, 17 Cabous Eloff, 18 Charlie Abel, 19 Esei Ha’angana, 20 Michael Wells, 21 Richard Hardwick, 22 James Tuttle, 23 Billy Meakes.
Photo: Getty Images
