Coach Richard Graham says Queensland Reds have chance to turn screws on Waratahs

ANTHONY Faingaa’s kamikaze tackling has been rushed in to torpedo a Waratahs side that has been mocked as February champions.

Mike Harris has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

ANTHONY Faingaa’s kamikaze tackling has been rushed in to torpedo a NSW Waratahs side that has been mocked as February champions.

The Reds are gambling on the 23-Test centre’s big-game experience to replace injured Mike Harris for tomorrow night’s clash in Sydney.

Faingaa’s timing is still rusty because he has played only 30 minutes in more than six months since undergoing a shoulder reconstruction.

He does offer an almost demented hunger to chop down Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Adam Ashley-Cooper and co at the ankles to stop backline moves dead.

News_Image_File: Mike Harris has been sidelined by an ankle injury.

Beale’s name was on Thursday shouted as a trigger more than once in Reds defensive drills.

Giving the crafty schemer and his support runners no room to operate is a big accent.

Losing Harris, who complained of ankle soreness after Thursday’s weights session, is a blow because he has been in sharp early season form.

Faingaa paired with Ben Tapuai in the centres in the 2011 Super Rugby final triumph so their understanding has a strong background.

Strong Reds defence such as the big James Slipper tackle that drove back rival prop Ben Alexander in Canberra last weekend is imperative in Sydney.

The more the Waratahs attack and come up shooting blanks, the more the pressure will build.

“The expectations were on them in Sydney before the season started when people came out and basically handed them the trophy,’’ Graham said in a shot at the hometown hype for the Waratahs.

“It’s tough to make the top two. You can probably only drop two or three games over the season so every week there will be pressure. I think it’s a good opportunity to turn the screws.’’

The Reds are five-point underdogs despite winning the past five clashes between the states, including wins in Sydney in 2012 and last year.

“Queensland has probably never gone into any game against NSW in any sport as favourites,” Graham said.

News_Rich_Media: As the Waratahs and Reds prepare to renew their historic rivalry this weekend, take a look at the some of the high profile stars who have made the switch between blue and red throughout their careers.

Beale has been selected at inside centre in a Waratahs side to be led by flanker Michael Hooper now that flanker Dave Dennis (knee) is injured.

Beale’s role is somewhat different. He is often prime playmaker at first receiver with No. 10 Bernard Foley orchestrating second-wave attacks.

Graham is unperturbed about Beale being shuffled into different slots in the NSW defence.

“To run at Kurtley is quite difficult because he is moving about which might create some confusion for them,’’ Graham said.

“Clarity breeds confidence in our eyes so being decisive ourselves is the most important thing.’’

Queensland Reds: Aidan Toua, Lachie Turner, Ben Tapuai, Anthony Faingaa, Dom Shipperley, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper. Res: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Jono Owen, Ed O’Donoghue, Beau Robinson, Nick Frisby, Ben Lucas, Chris Feauai-Sautia.

NSW Waratahs: Israel Folau, Alofa Alofa, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Peter Betham, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Stephen Hoiles, Kane Douglas, Jacques Potgieter, Paddy Ryan, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Tola Latu, Jeremy Tilse, Sekope Kepu, Will Skelton, Brendan McKibbin, Rob Horne, Matt Carraro, Pat McCutcheon.