Reds lose Lachie Turner to injury; Jamie-Jerry Taulagi to make debut against Western Force

THE Reds have suffered another backline blow to with Lachie Turner forced out, while young gun Jamie-Jerry Taulagi will make his debut.

Jamie-Jerry Taulagi will make his Super Rugby debut on the wing for the Reds.

FORMER Wallaby winger Lachie Turner is headed for scans on a niggly ankle problem that has forced him out of Queensland Reds’ side to face Western Force at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Turner started training at Ballymore this morning but decided his right ankle wasn’t right and did not complete the session.

“Lachie has a grumbly ankle. It’s on the back of the broken leg he had last year,” Reds coach Richard Graham said.

“I don’t think it is anything major but it’s best he head for scans. He couldn’t operate with the fluency and athleticism he or we would like.”

Lachie Turner will miss the clash with Western Force.

Turner’s exit opens a spot for super sub Ben Lucas at fullback because rookie Jamie-Jerry Taulagi was the first face into the revamped back three after winger Dom Shipperley (hip) was ruled out early in the week.

Taulagi scored 14 tries for the University club last year in their run to the preliminary final and earned a two-year Reds contract.

Reds coach Richard Graham said Taulagi’s addition to the side would provide them with another potent attacking threat, while Lucas had offered much as a replacement against the Stormers last weekend.

“The Reds have a strong history of giving opportunity to young players,” Graham said.

“JJ has had a solid six months of preparation, understands his role within the team clearly and as such will do a very good job.

Jamie-Jerry Taulagi will make his Super Rugby debut on the wing for the Reds.

“Ben has played in a number of positions for the Reds. He offers a broad skill set, is one of the most competitive guys I have come across and loves playing in the red jersey. His experience this weekend will be important in the back field.”

On the replacements bench, two young Queenslanders stand to earn debuts for Queensland. Prop Pettowa Paraka and fullback Jonah Placid were both members of Easts premiership side last year.

“Pettowa has worked extremely hard physically over the past six months and technically has applied himself to his development as a loosehead prop. Jonah is the youngest in our squad, but I was impressed with his trial time against the Chiefs in pre-season,” Graham said.

Reds: Ben Lucas, Rod Davies, Ben Tapuai, Mike Harris, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Beau Robinson, Eddie Quirk, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, James Hanson, James Slipper. Res: Albert Anae, Pettowa Paraka, Jono Owen, Ed O'Donoghue, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Anthony Fainga'a, Ben Lucas, Jonah Placid.