Super Rugby
Quade Cooper among Reds' inclusions
March 25, 2015
Quade Cooper has been named to make his first Reds start of 2015 © Getty Images
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Quade Cooper is among four key backs returning from injury the struggling Queensland Reds for Friday night's Super Rugby clash with the Lions.

Wallabies playmaker Cooper will make his first start of the season at five-eighth in the Suncorp Stadium match after recovering from a fractured collar bone. His return allows coach Richard Graham to put star recruit James O'Connor on the wing for the first time as the utility also returns to the starting side along with outside centre Samu Kerevi and fullback Lachie Turner.

Props Greg Holmes and Ben Daley are also back from injury but have been named on the bench while development squad player Michael Gunn has the chance to make his Super Rugby debut after being named as a reserve flanker. Graham is wary of South African visitors the Lions, especially after their stirring comeback to beat the Melbourne Rebels in Melbourne last week.

"I have been impressed by the Lions' creativity and determination," said Graham. "They did well last week to overcome the Rebels in the last few minutes and we understand the need to be disciplined to our strategy for the entire match."

Queensland Reds: Lachie Turner, Chris Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Anthiny Fainga'a, James O'Connor, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Curtis Browning, Adam Thompson, Dave McDuling, James Horwill, Sam Talakai, James Hanson, James Slipper (capt). Replacements: Saia Fainga'a, Ben Daley, Greg Holmes, Marco Kotze, Michael Gunn, Nick Frisby, Ben Tapuai, Chris Feauai-Sautia.

© AAP

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