Super Rugby
Liam Gill sidelined for six weeks
March 27, 2014
Reds flanker Liam Gill grabs the ball at training, Brisbane, Australia, May 21, 2012
Liam Gill will sit on the sidelines for the next six weeks © PA Photos
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Queensland Reds have lost flanker Liam Gill and fullback Aidan Toua for six weeks and 10 weeks respectively, dealing a hammer blow to their hopes of reclaiming the Super Rugby title.

Gill has a hamstring injury while Toua has a pectoral problem, the pair now on the sidelines alongside centre Chris Feauai-Sautia, who will miss another three weeks with a hamstring issue, and prop Ben Daley, who will miss six weeks with a knee complaint.

Beau Robinson will make his first start of the season in place of Gill against the Stormers on Saturday, when the Reds will attempt to get their season back on track after two losses in South Africa. Lachie Turner shifts takes over at fullback, with Dom Shipperley replacing him on the wing, while James Hanson comes in at hooker ahead of Saia Fainga'a in the only other change to the starting side.

Red coach Richard Graham said the team needed little motivation to defeat the South African Stormers.

"Our trip to South Africa was tough," said Graham. "We didn't get the results we wanted and suffered four injuries, but we've returned home with a desire to get our season heading in the right direction. With the next three games at home, we're going to enjoy the opportunity to play in front of our own supporters."

Graham also addressed the team's recent spate of penalties, which makes them the most penalised team in the competition.

"Four of the Australian franchises [Waratahs, Brumbies, Force, Reds] sit atop the Super Rugby penalty count," Graham said. "It gives a strong indication of the mentality the Australian teams are taking, particularly at the defensive breakdown.

"Whilst we have conceded penalties in this area, we have also forced the most turnovers, averaging eight per game, and also forced opposition teams to play with the second slowest breakdown ball. We continue to work on the skill and the decision making, but it is risk versus reward.

Graham said the issue of penalties had to be viewed in context.

"If anything, we were probably guilty of being a little ambitious at times in counter-attack or the wider channels," he said.

"We have put a fair bit of time into our attacking framework and we only conceded one penalty in attack on the weekend. We have gained a reputation on the back of the two games in South Africa. We need to continue improving to ensure perception isn't reality."

Reds: Lachie Turner; Rod Davies, Ben Tapuai, Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley; Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Beau Robinson, Eddie Quirk; James Horwill (captain), Rob Simmons; Greg Holmes, James Hanson, James Slipper. Replacements: Saia Fainga'a, Albert Anae, Jono Owen, Ed O'Donoghue, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Anthony Fainga'a, Ben Lucas.

© AAP

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