Super Rugby selection
Reds make two surprise changes
February 21, 2013
Chris Feauai-Sautia is tackled by Deon Van Rensburg, Reds v Lions, Super Rugby, Brisbane, May 19, 2012
Young gun Chris Feauai-Sautia will start at outside centre for the Reds against the Waratahs. © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby

Queensland Reds have made two surprise changes to their starting line-up for Saturday night's Super Rugby grudge match with New South Wales Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.

Former Ireland A lock Ed O'Donoghue beefs up the Reds forward pack by replacing Adam Wallace-Harrison in the second-row while boom teenager Chris Feauai-Sautia will start at outside centre.

Defensive linchpin Anthony Faingaa was expected to return from a hand injury to replace Aidan Toua in the midfield, but the Wallabies centre has been ruled out for another week as his recovery has gone slower than hoped.

Feauai-Sautai, an Australian Schoolboys three-quarter in 2010-11, made an impressive cameo off the bench in Queensland's opening round 24-6 loss to the Brumbies in Canberra last weekend and is seen as a star of the future. It will be the 19-year-old's second Super Rugby run-on start after playing on the wing against the Melbourne Rebels late last season.

Reds coaching boss Ewen McKenzie said the burly O'Donoghue's selection, to partner Rob Simmons in his 50th state game, was designed to counter the power of the Waratahs' big tight-five.

Queensland Reds: Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley, Chris F'Sautia, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, Ed O'Donoghue, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes. Res: James Hanson, Albert Anae, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jarrad Butler, Nick Frisby, Jono Lance, Luke Morahan.

Greg Growden has all the latest rugby gossip, plus Super Rugby and Six Nations preview.
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices