Wallabies lock Kane Douglas is one of three players set to make their Queensland Reds debut in Friday night’s Super Rugby clash against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Douglas hasn’t played since injuring his anterior cruciate ligament in last year’s World Cup final, but is in line to make his long-awaited return after he was named on a new-look bench for the match at Canberra Stadium.
He is joined by one of Australian rugby’s most exciting young prospects, Taniela Tupou – better known as the ‘Tongan Thor’ – who has recovered from a recent ankle injury and is poised for his first taste of Super Rugby, while Reds recruit Leroy Houston is also among the reserves.
And with Karmichael Hunt (groin) still injured, 20-year-old rookie Jack Tuttle will be thrown into the heat of battle on debut at fullback.
“We’re coming off a win against the Sunwolves in our last home game and need to keep building for the remainder of the season,” interim co-coach Nick Stiles said.
All up, there are five changes to the Reds side that beat the Sunwolves nearly five weeks ago.
Four of Queensland’s Wallabies who featured in the 3-0 Test series defeat to England – James Slipper, Nick Frisby, Samu Kerevi and Greg Holmes – have also been included, along with two who didn’t play, Houston and Liam Gill.
Houston last featured for the Reds in 2011, spending the past five years in Europe and the last three with English Premiership club Bath.
But there is no Rob Simmons, who hurt his collarbone in the Sydney Test and is likely to miss the Reds’ remaining three games, giving a chance to Australian Under 20s representative Lukhan Tui.
Injuries to Chris Feauia-Sautia (ankle) and Junior Laloifi (thumb) have also opened up spots for winger Chris Kuridrani and centre Henry Taefu, who injured his ankle on debut in the opening round.
Queensland Reds: Jack Tuttle, Chris Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Henry Taefu, Eto Nabuli, Jake McIntyre, Nick Frisby, Curtis Browning, Liam Gill, Kendrik Tui, Lukhan Tui, Cadeyrn Neville, Greg Holmes, Andrew Ready, James Slipper (c). Reserves: Saia Fainga’a, Sef Fa’agase, Taniela Tupou, Kane Douglas, Leroy Houston, James Tuttle, Duncan Paia’aua, Campbell Magnay.
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