Queensland Reds make five changes for Cheetahs clash on Friday night

QUEENSLAND Reds coach Richard Graham has been forced to make five changes to his side for Friday’s clash with the Cheetahs.

Chris Feauai-Sautia makes his first start of the season this weekend.

QUEENSLAND Reds coach Richard Graham has been forced to make five changes to his side ahead of Friday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Cheetahs at Suncorp Stadium.

Rod Davies starts on the right wing replacing Lachie Turner who will rest a knee niggle first suffered in a pre-season clash with the Chiefs.

Mike Harris comes back from an ankle complaint and moves into the starting line-up, replacing Anthony Fainga’a at inside centre.

Chris Feauai-Sautia will make his first start of the year at outside centre.

Both Fainga’a and Ben Tapuai have been moved to the bench.

In the forwards, James Hanson will also make his first start of the year after replacing Saia Fainga’a.

Prop Ben Daley takes over from James Slipper at loosehead.

Both Saia Fainga’a and Slipper suffered corks on the weekend and have been moved to the reserves.

Graham said the changes were a result of their short turnaround from their last round 32-5 loss to NSW Waratahs and the team’s impending two-game trip to South Africa.

“With only two training opportunities we needed to have 15 players fit to train on Monday and Tuesday,” he said.

“Unfortunately we suffered a few knocks in last weekend’s match and have had to make changes to allow us the best possible preparation.

“This match is significant as it is our only home game in the first five rounds.

“We want to make sure we deliver a strong performance.”

Reds: Aidan Toua, Rod Davies, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Eddie Quirk, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, James Hanson, Ben Daley. Interchange: Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper, Jono Owen, Ed O’Donoghue, Beau Robinson, Nick Frisby, Anthony Fainga’a, Ben Tapuai.