James Horwill and Will Genia back for Reds to play Crusaders

WALLABY trumps James Horwill and Will Genia are returning fit and fresh for the Reds' qualifying final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

WALLABY trumps James Horwill and Will Genia are returning fit and fresh for the Queensland Reds' qualifying final against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday night.

Lock Horwill took last weekend off to rest a minor calf strain and to rebuild emotionally after the British and Irish Lions Test series while the rare spell for halfback Genia enabled him to give knee and hand niggles time to repair.

The influential duo have been named in the starting side but the team has suffered a blow with defensive leader Anthony Faingaa (hamstring) unable to beat injury in time to play.

Jono Lance has been selected at inside centre instead. His defensive qualities are the biggest asset in his game but he also has to show he can infect those around him with the same intent which is one of Faingaa's rallying strengths.

As expected, the Crusaders today named All Blacks great Richie McCaw on the bench after his 80-minute comeback in club rugby last weekend. The Crusaders have also received a boost with top ball-carting lock Luke Romano fit again after an ankle injury.

The injection of captain Horwill and vice-captain Genia comes at a crucial moment for the Reds with winger Rod Davies (knee) and centre Mike Harris (hamstring) ruled out after injuries sustained against the NSW Waratahs last weekend.

Faingaa has improved with treatment on his strain. He will travel with the team as their 23rd man.

The unavailability of Faingaa and Harris pushes Lance through as a starter. Dom Shipperley and Chris Feauai-Sautia will be the wing pair.

"There is always going to be some damage at this time of the year and while it's disappointing to be without a few guys, we are getting the experience of James and Will back," Reds coaching boss Ewen McKenzie said.

"Their influence can't be understated and you need world class players and strong leaders if you are going to win these games on the big stage."

"We have had to reshuffle our backline in some positions and the players coming in now have an opportunity to contribute in a positive way.

No.8 Jake Schatz will celebrate his milestone 50th game for Queensland against the Crusaders.

The Reds have defeated the Crusaders in three of their past four Super Rugby matches, although they dropped a tight 15-11 result in Christchurch last year in the only match played on Kiwi soil.

"We take pride in the hoodoos we've broken over the years and this is just another milestone we can target," McKenzie said.

"History tells us they have a strong record at home where they seemingly always find a way to prevail, but we pushed them in Christchurch in our last match and many teams have continued to do so and come close since.

"It's a challenge we look forward to and the Crusaders are always a match we enjoy playing."

On the bench, McKenzie has again gone for a forward-heavy 5-2 split.

Reds team to play Crusaders:

1. Greg Holmes

2. Saia Faingaa

3. James Slipper

4. Rob Simmons

5. James Horwill (c)

6. Eddie Quirk

7. Liam Gill

8. Jake Schatz

9. Will Genia (vc)

10. Quade Cooper

11. Chris Feauai-Sautia

12. Jono Lance

13. Ben Tapuai

14. Dom Shipperley

15. Ben Lucas

16. Albert Anae

17. Jono Owen

18. Ed O'Donoghue

19. Radike Samo

20. Beau Robinson

21. Nick Frisby

22. Luke Morahan

Crusaders:

1. Wyatt Crockett

2. Corey Flynn

3. Owen Franks

4. Luke Romano

5. Sam Whitelock

6. George Whitelock

7. Matt Todd

8. Kieran Read (c)

9. Andy Ellis

10. Dan Carter

11. Zac Guildford

12. Tom Taylor

13. Ryan Crotty

14. Tom Marshall

15. Israel Dagg

Reserves

16. Ben Funnell

17. Joe Moody

18. Luke Whitelock

19. Richie McCaw

20. Willi Heinz

21. Tyler Bleyendaal

22. Adam Whitelock