Ryan Smith delighted to be off the nudie run after scoring in 50th cap for the Reds
It was a memorable night in more ways than one for the Queensland forward.
Wallabies winger Digby Ioane and fellow Test backs Ben Tapuai and Mike Harris are all in doubt for the Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby clash with the winless Highlanders in Dunedin on Good Friday.
The Reds trio were all undergoing scans on Monday after pulling up badly following Queensland’s 23-18 victory over the Bulls on Saturday night.
Ioane has a knee problem while inside centre Tapuai and utility Harris both have hand injuries.
Coaching boss Ewen McKenzie said the scans were precautionary but admitted there were concerns whether they would make the trip to the South Island on Thursday.
The Reds have winger Dom Shipperley available again after overcoming a back problem and he’d be a likely replacement if any were to be ruled out.
Skipper James Horwill produced an encouraging first-half return against the Bulls and will be able to play for an hour against the Highlanders, while halfback Will Genia says he’s ready for an 80-minute display in his third game back from a knee reconstruction.
McKenzie will become the most-capped Super Rugby coach at Forsythe Barr Stadium as it will be his 121st match in charge, breaking Robbie Deans’ record.
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It was a memorable night in more ways than one for the Queensland forward.
The youngster was playing his first Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench, but his game wasn't the main talking point after the game.
Is this a sign that rugby laws are getting too tricky, even for the players and commentators?
The kick of around 50 metres got the Reds well downfield!
The Reds centre had to leave the field to get the shoulder popped in, with fears he will need several weeks on the sideline…
Not only did the Queensland fullback keep up with his opponent, but then was quick enough to force a turnover penalty in the ruck.