Decision by Queensland Reds to rest pack aces for Tokyo clash comes with it an element of danger

A workload management decision by the Queensland Reds to rest two of their pack aces will leave them vulnerable against Japan’s Sunwolves on their all-important road trip to Tokyo.

Izack Rodda will not line up for Queensland in Tokyo.

Pack pillars Taniela Tupou and Izack Rodda are being rested from Saturday’s clash in Tokyo which makes the Queensland Reds look even riper for an ambush.

MAJOR GAMBLE: THORN WEIGHS UP BIG SWITCH FOR LUCAS

FLYHALF SETBACK: INJURY BLOW FOR REDS AHEAD OF TOKYO CLASH

Prop Tupou is being rested from the must-win clash against the Sunwolves in line with Rugby Australia’s workload management guidelines for top Wallabies.

It’s been an emotional week for lock Rodda with his father’s funeral on Monday.

The Reds have wisely advanced his rest plan to this weekend for one originally slated for Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who will now shift from the backrow to lock.

Coach Brad Thorn said the Round Five clash was a “pre-determined rest match by Rugby Australia” for two players.

Taniela Tupou will be missed when the Reds take on Japan’s Sunwolves.

More accurately, certain overseas matches were proposed by RA to reduce travel impact as well but the exact matches have been left up to the Reds’ discretion.

Either way, the Reds are without two key figures at the physical and scrummaging heart of a team which much fire up to avenge the 63-28 embarrassment in Tokyo last year.

Prop Ruan Smith and backrower Angus Scott-Young are the solid cover in the starting pack but experience is diluted on the bench with Harry Hoopert and Angus Blyth.

Taniela Tupou (right) is a powerhouse in the Queensland scrum.

The pack must dominate to give rookie Isaac Lucas, 20, his best chance of success now the Reds are gambling with their third flyhalf in four games.

The Reds have taken a U-turn on the No.10 slot. After investing so much in Hamish Stewart over the past two years, they have recommissioned him at fullback.

“We’ve decided to rest Bryce (Hegarty) to let him recover from a niggling rib injury,” Thorn said.

“Isaac has played some quality rugby in his three appearances, he’s played at No.10 for most of his junior footy and this is nothing new for him.”

No matter who is in the starting side, one strong message fits all from Thorn.

“Our performance was disappointing against the NSW Waratahs last weekend and we can’t afford another slow start,” Thorn said.

The Queensland pack will also be without Izack Rodda.

The Reds were in a 13-0 hole against the Waratahs a week after conceded the Crusaders a 10-0 start.

Powerful former Melbourne Rebels backrower Amanaki Mafi has been named on the Sunwolves bench even with an assault charge hanging over his head.

An ugly incident which left then-Rebels teammate Lopeti Timani with a bruised face will return to court in Dunedin on March 27.

It was a chilly six degrees when the Reds jumped on their morning bus to training in Tokyo on Thursday but the reception will be colder again if they return to Brisbane as losers.

REDS: Hamish Stewart, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi (c), Duncan Paia’aua, Sefa Naivalu, Isaac Lucas, Moses Sorovi, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Hockings, JP Smith, Alex Mafi, Ruan Smith. Res: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Hoopert, Feao Fotuaika, Angus Blyth, Caleb Timu, Tate McDermott, Teti Tela, Filipo Daugunu.

REDS V SUNWOLVES

Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium

Tokyo, Saturday 2.15pm

1. JP Smith – GPS

2. Alex Mafi – Bond University

3. Ruan Smith – GPS

4. Harry Hockings – University of Queensland

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths

6. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland

7. Liam Wright – Easts

8. Scott Higginbotham – Wests

9. Moses Sorovi – Wests

10. Isaac Lucas – Sunnybank

11. Sefa Naivalu – TBC

12. Duncan Paia’aua – Norths

13. Samu Kerevi (c) – Souths

14. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths

15. Hamish Stewart – Bond University

16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank

17. Harry Hoopert – Brothers

18. Feao Fotuaika – Souths

19. Angus Blyth – Bond University

20. Caleb Timu – Souths

21. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland

22. Teti Tela – Souths

23. Filipo Daugunu – Wests