Reds reshuffle for Waratahs but welcome back Izaia Perese

Queensland winger Izaia Perese has been named for his first appearance of the Super Rugby season.

Queensland winger Izaia Perese in action at the Brisbane 10s competition in February. Picture: AAP

Queensland winger Izaia Perese has been named for his first appearance of the Super Rugby season but a number of injuries has prompted further changes to the Reds’ line-up for tonight’s showdown with NSW Waratahs.

After going down with a knee injury in the pre-season, Perese is a welcome inclusion on the wing for the Reds.

But Brad Thorn’s side will be without captain Scott Higginbotham (calf), prop Taniela Tupou (shoulder) and halfback Ben Lucas (concussion) for the match at the SCG.

James Slipper will take over the captaincy in Higginbotham’s absence and will be joined in the front row by South African-born prop Ruan Smith, who will be making his run-on debut.

Meanwhile, Caleb Timu will shift to No 8 to cover for Higginbotham with Lukhan Tui to start and blindside flanker and Liam Wright recalled at openside, replacing Adam Korczyk.

“While we’ve lost some guys through injury, we’re also welcoming one back with Izaia starting for the first time this year,” coach Thorn said.

“He’s been cracking in at training, waiting for his chance to get back on the field.

“He’s a guy who offers a bit of strike in attack, so it’s good to have him back.

“We’ve been working hard to develop depth within the squad so that we can cope with these setbacks when they occur. It’s a chance for other players to step up.”

The Reds have made a further four changes on the bench, with Korczyk demoted and prop Sef Fa’agase, flanker Angus Scott-Young and halfback Tate McDermott all back in the squad for the first time since round six.

The Reds and the Waratahs haven’t met at the SCG since 1983, and both sides will wear throwback jerseys to mark the occasion, with the Reds set to don the maroon, as they did at home to the Waratahs last season.

The Waratahs, meanwhile, are doing everything they can not to let the sideshow of Israel Folau’s anti-gay comments on social media to sidetrack them from the visit of the Reds.

Folau, who is out of action with a hamstring injury, has been told by Rugby Australia “to think about” the impact of his comments amid pressure from sponsors and reports that some of his NSW teammates have conflicting views on his comments.

“Our focus now is on ensuring we get to this Reds game,” Waratahs assistant coach Chris Malone said. “It’s a great opportunity for us after beating three Australian conference rivals in the last few weeks.

“It’s a really big game for us and really exciting at the Sydney Cricket Ground.”

AAP