Reds recall George Smith, Rob Simmons for Hurricanes clash

A pair of Wallabies will return to the Reds starting lineup for their clash with Super Rugby champions, the Hurricanes.

George Smith will return to the Reds starting side on Saturday night. Picture: Peter Wallis

Wallabies George Smith and Rob Simmons will return to the Queensland Reds starting side for Saturday’s clash with Super Rugby defending champions, the Hurricanes, at Suncorp Stadium.

They are part of four changes coach Nick Stiles has made to the side in the wake of the dismal 22-8 defeat at the hands of the Jaguares in Buenos Aires last Sunday.

Simmons returns in place of second-rower Izack Rodda, who suffered an ankle injury in Argentina, while Smith takes over at openside flanker, with Adam Korczyk moving to the opposite side of the scrum to displace Hendrick Tui at blindside flanker.

In the backs, Chris Kuridrani comes onto the wing for Izaia Perese, while in an exciting move, Queensland under 20 five-eighth Hamish Stewart has been brought on to the bench and is in line to make his Super Rugby debut.

Stewart has been one of the key figures in the Reds side that has made the final of the Australian Under 20 championship against NSW at Ballymore on Sunday.

“The Hurricanes will be a massive challenge,” said Stiles. “We have to look at that as an opportunity. We’ve had some really disappointing losses over the last few weeks but you can sense within the team that we’re close to producing the right result on the field.”

Queensland Reds side to play Hurricanes on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium

1. Markus Vanzati – Souths

2. Stephen Moore (C) – University of Queensland

3. Sam Talakai – Brothers

4. Rob Simmons – Sunnybank

5. Kane Douglas – Norths

6. Adam Korczyk – University of Queensland

7. George Smith - Brothers

8. Scott Higginbotham – Wests

9. James Tuttle – GPS

10. Jake McIntyre – Sunnybank

11. Eto Nabuli – GPS

12. Duncan Paia’aua – Norths

13. Samu Kerevi – Souths

14. Chris Kuridrani – GPS

15. Karmichael Hunt – Norths

16. Andrew Ready – Easts

17. Kirwan Sanday – Easts

18. Taniela Tupou – Brothers

19. Lukhan Tui – Souths

20. Hendrik Tui – Norths

21. Nick Frisby – GPS

22. Hamish Stewart – Bond University (potential Queensland/Super Rugby debut)

23. Izaia Perese – Easts