Tokyo scare has Brumbies on edge for Australian derby against wounded Reds

AN early fright in Tokyo has given the Brumbies ample warning to not underestimate Queensland, despite the Reds’ long list of problems from their opening round.

Christian Leali’ifano looks for a gap in the Sunwolves’ defence.

AN early fright in Tokyo has given the Brumbies ample warning to not underestimate Queensland, despite the Reds’ long list of problems from their opening round.

The two sides meet at Suncorp Stadium on Friday and the Brumbies could be excused for having confidence, with Reds captain Scott Higginbotham and Wallabies lock Lukhan Tui both suspended this week for three games.

The pair were given red and yellow cards respectively in Queensland’s 45-19 loss to the Rebels in Melbourne last week.

Christian Leali’ifano looks for a gap in the Sunwolves’ defence.

It was a tough enough start for Brad Thorn but now the rookie coach has had to promote rookie backrower Liam Wright into his starting team, and bring debutants Harry Hockings and Angus Scott-Young onto the bench.

Kane Douglas has replaced Tui in the second row.

But Brumbies coach Dan McKellar was quick to stamp out any suggestions the young, and now understrength, Reds team would be an easy assignment for his team.

“I don’t think you can (underestimate a team) in any week in this competition,” McKellar said.

GUILTY: Tui joins Reds skipper on sideline

“You saw that last week I think. A lot of people were expecting us to turn up in Tokyo and just roll over (the Sunwolves) and get five points, without too many concerns.

“The Sunwolves certainly challenged us. They’re a much better prepared side this year (with) a good coaching group and they improved their roster. They were a tough challenge and the Reds will be exactly the same.

“The nature of going from five to four teams, having to split the Western Force players, every team has stronger depth.

“After what was probably a disappointing result for them, they will certainly be up for this game. We haven’t read much into that result. They had a red card and a yellow card and up until that point, they were very much in the contest.”

Rory Arnold (left) replaces twin brother Richie in the starting side.

The difference in fortunes for both sides was highlighted by the fact McKellar had the luxury to rotate a Wallaby lock into his squad, however.

Blake Enever was called back into the side on the bench, with Test lock Rory Arnold promoted to start alongside Sam Carter.

Richie Arnold dropped out of the squad after starting in Japan.

“We have four quality locks. “Bev” had to deal with the news last week of missing out and we rotated Richie last week, he did some good things up in Tokyo and so did Rory. So he gets an opportunity this week to start with Carts,” McKellar said.

“But they lose Lukhan Tui and bring in Kane Douglas, who has won a Super Rugby competition and played I don’t know how many Tests. One thing Queensland do really well is they bring through good young footballers.”

Experienced backrower Locky McAffrey, who performed well off the bench in Tokyo, will start at No.8 in the place of boom rookie Rob Valentini.

Valetini underwent surgery on a knee injury on Wednesday and will miss between 6-12 weeks.

David Pocock will not be rushed back from injury and his return date is still around late March, said McKellar.

Meanwhile, the Brumbies have announced a joint ticket offer with the Canberra Raiders for their first respective home games against the Sharks on March 17, and against the Knights on March 18.

Members for either team will get free entry to the other code, and all other punters can buy a two-game pass for $40.

Originally published as Tokyo scare has Brumbies on edge for Australian derby against wounded Reds