Super Rugby - Queensland Reds
James Horwill to tour South Africa
ESPN Staff
May 11, 2013
James Horwill speaks to the media, Super Rugby naming rights announcement, Sydney, Australia, November 16, 2011
James Horwill replaces Adam Wallace-Harrison in the squad © Getty Images
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Queensland Reds captain James Horwill will return from injury to lead the 26-man squad during the team's two-game Super Rugby tour of South Africa.

Horwill missed the 32-17 bonus-point victory over the Sharks on Friday night, after failing a concussion test, but the Reds believe he will be fit to play the Stormers in Cape Town and the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. He replaces Adam Wallace-Harrison in the extended group, which includes five new faces from the squad that defeated the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium. Horwill, prop Ben Daley, backrower Radike Samo, scrum-half Nick Frisby and utility back Luke Morahan have been added to the squad.

The Reds will commence their tour one competition point behind the Super Rugby-leading Brumbies and with an opportunity to continue their strong 2013 form against international opposition - which currently sits at six wins and no losses. Queensland's triumph over the Sharks was their second against South African opposition this year, after a victory over the Bulls, while the Reds this year also became the first Australian team in Super Rugby history to sweep their New Zealand opponents in one season.

The Reds have enjoyed mixed results in South Africa over the past two seasons, defeating the Stormers and the Lions during their 2011 championship-winning season but losing to the Bulls and the Sharks in 2012.

"We weren't happy with how we performed in South Africa last season but we're in a completely different space this time round and are really looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Republic," Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie said. "For us, it won't be a case of wanting to make amends for last year but more about ensuring we leave South Africa having set ourselves up nicely leading into the June Test window. With only three games left until we break for the Lions series, now is a time we need to be playing our best rugby and we'll take plenty of confidence from last night's win over the Sharks."

Queensland Reds Touring Squad - Forwards: Albert Anae, Jarrad Butler, Ben Daley, Saia Faingaa, Liam Gill, James Hanson, Greg Holmes, James Horwill (captain), Ed O'Donoghue, Eddie Quirk, Beau Robinson, Radike Samo, Jake Schatz, Rob Simmons, James Slipper. Backs: Quade Cooper, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Nick Frisby, Will Genia (vc), Digby Ioane, Jono Lance, Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Ben Tapuai.

Queensland Reds impressed against the Sharks (video available only in Australia)
© ESPN Australia / New Zealand

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