Queensland Reds ring changes for historic night

The Reds have made three changes for their Super Rugby clash with the Chiefs, the 1000th match in Queensland history.

Taniela Tupou will return to the Reds’ starting side for their clash with the Chiefs. Picture: AAP.

The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s match against the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium — the 1000th match in Queensland’s proud rugby history.

As expected, Taniela Tupou has returned at tight-head, with Ruan Smith dropping out of the run-on squad to the bench where he displaces Sef Fa’agasse. Tupou played a key role in the three Reds victories this season and his return adds punch to the Reds scrum.

Ben Lucas, who was concussed when tackled from behind by his brother, Matt, in the Brumbies game two weeks ago, returns at halfback, with Moses Sorovi coming onto the bench as back-up number nine after James Tuttle and Tate McDermott both were given runs behind the scrum.

And with Lukham Tui suffering an injury against the Waratahs last week, Angus Scott-Young has been brought back into the pack at blindside flanker, with Liam Wright continuing to hold down the openside breakaway position despite George Smith’s return from a back injury on the bench.

It’s the first Reds match at Suncorp Stadium for six weeks, and not only will the Reds be celebrating their 1000th game in their 136-year history, but they also will be honouring Anzac Day.

“It’s been a disappointing couple of weeks for us, we felt we haven’t played to our potential,” said Reds coach Brad Thorn. “Australian Super Rugby teams have had a terrible record against NZ teams in recent years, so there’s a tough challenge in front of us but we’re excited by the opportunity.”

The Reds are on a nine-match losing streak against NZ side but, curiously, if they win this weekend, they will be 11-11 in matches against the Chiefs in Super Rugby.

Meanwhile, Wallabies centre Reece Hodge will return from injury to inside centre as the Rebels attempt to win their first match even on South African soil when they take on the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday night.

Reece Hodge will return from injury for the Rebels. Picture: Michael Klein.

Hodge is one of a number changes to the run-on team, with lock Matt Philip, backrower Angus Cotterell and halfback Michael Ruru coming into the team. It will be Ruru’s first starting appearance for the Rebels, with Will Genia missing the South African tour because of a hamstring injury.

Billy Meakes and British and Irish Lions lock Geoff Parling will start on the bench, making way for Hodge and Philip, while Cotterell takes over from Wallabies backrower Richard Hardwick. And with Anaru Rangi in a rich vein of form, Jordan Uelese again will have to come off the bench at hooker.

The match will see playmaker Jack Debreczini celebrating his 50th Super Rugby and Melbourne Rebels appearance.