Anthony Faingaa, Chris Feauai-Sautia into Reds starting side to face Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium

HARD-TACKLING centre Anthony Faingaa has been called into the Reds starting side while winger Chris Feauai-Sautia also returns to face the Brumbies.

Anthony Faingaa returns to the Reds starting line-up to face the Brumbies.

HARD-TACKLING centre Anthony Faingaa has been called into the Queensland Reds starting side for the must-win clash against the ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Mike Harris has forfeited his starting spot because of achilles tendon soreness although he remains a chance to take a spot on the bench.

The Reds backline receives a welcome lift in power and line-breaking ability with the return of young Wallaby Chris Feauai-Sautia on the wing.

After missing three games with hamstring trouble, Feauai-Sautia replaces rookie Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, who moves to the reserves.

News_Image_File: Chris Feauai-Sautia returns on the wing for the Reds.

If Harris is not deemed fit for Friday night’s game, David McDuling will be named on the bench in what could mark his Reds debut as a lock or a bullocking blindside flanker experiment.

“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,” Reds coach Richard Graham said.

“We are fortunate to have Ant (Faingaa) as a straight replacement. He brings a lot of experience to the midfield.

“Chris has worked hard during the past four weeks and looks in really good shape. His explosive running will be an asset for us.”

News_Rich_Media: Queensland Reds prop James Slipper says the Super Rugby ladder is proof Australian Rugby Union is better than ever

Hooker Saia Faingaa returns to the bench after a shoulder injury and will play his 100th Super Rugby game as a high-impact reserve.

“The chance to share that milestone with his brother will mean a lot to the both of them,” Graham said.

“We currently sit two points outside the top six with a bye coming up after this weekend. A strong performance on Friday night and a positive result will mean a lot to the squad.”

Lack of line-busting impetus from the backrow has been an issue for the Reds. Graham resisted the strong case to promote young backrower Curtis Browning to the starting side but he will enter the game from the bench.

Queensland Reds team:

1. James Slipper

2. James Hanson

3. Greg Holmes

4. Rob Simmons

5. James Horwill (C)

6. Eddie Quirk

7. Beau Robinson

8. Jake Schatz

9. Will Genia (VC)

10. Quade Cooper

11. Chris Feauai-Sautia

12. Anthony Faingaa

13. Ben Tapuai

14. Rod Davies

15. Ben Lucas

Reserves: 16. Saia Faingaa, 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.