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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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 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
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