Sentiment hasn’t swayed calculated Queensland coach Richard Graham, who has dumped hooker Saia Fainga’a to the Reds bench for his 100th Super Rugby match on Saturday night.
Despite being in his sixth season of loyal service for his adopted team, fan favourite Fainga’a will join his identical twin Anthony among the reserves waiting for their chance to mix it with the Stormers at Suncorp Stadium.
James Hanson, an unlucky fall guy during the Reds’ frustrating two-match tour of South Africa, has been reinstated in the No.2 jersey as Graham prepares for a highly-physical, possession game from the South Africans.
“It’s obviously a big game for Saia,” the coach said. “One hundred games of Super Rugby is an outstanding achievement and he’s been very loyal to Queensland.
“At the end of the day, James’ work around the field has been very good and the Stormers hold on to the ball longer than any other team at the moment, and for us to build continuity he has certainly added a dimension to our attack.”
Hanson, sin-binned shortly after entering last week’s controversial 23-20 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg, is one of three changes to the Reds’ 15 but the only one not forced by injury.
It’s a tough call on Fainga’a, who played his first 27 Super games for the Brumbies over three seasons before swapping places with Stephen Moore when the first-choice Wallabies hooker left Ballymore at the end of 2008.
The Reds’ scrum was heavily penalised by referee Stuart Berry last week but appeared to set a strong platform with the fringe Wallaby in the front row alongside James Slipper and Greg Holmes.
An updated prognosis of six weeks on the sidelines for flanker Liam Gill (hamstring) has put a bigger onus on Beau Robinson at No.7.
With continued Brisbane rainfall making expansive rugby unlikely, the abrasive Robinson is rolling up his sleeves and licking his lips at confronting the aggressive Stormers pack.
“It should be a real bashfest,” he said. “I’m pretty excited and I’m sure they will love it – that’s their style too.”
With Aidan Toua (pectoral) out for 10 weeks, Graham has overlooked exciting young fullback Jamie-Jerry Taulagi to move Lachie Turner to No.15 and start Dom Shipperley on the wing.
Queensland: Lachie Turner, Rod Davies, Ben Tapuai, Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Beau Robinson, Eddie Quirk, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, James Hanson, James Slipper. Res: Saia Fainga’a, Albert Anae, Jono Owen, Ed O’Donoghue, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Anthony Fainga’a, Ben Lucas
Zero Gain
Guest
I hope Hansen has a blinder but I just don't think he is strong enough to consistently play at the right level. Too small and not enough muscle.
Reilly
Roar Rookie
These two have constantly been changing places over the last 4 years. Richard Graham should be the man to make a final decision on who starts. But I'm not sure this was the right decision considering Saia just reaches such a mile stone and last week Hanson got 10 minutes game time and got sent off for the rest of the match.
Reilly
Roar Rookie
Referees aren't allowing that any more. Tackles like that without arms haven't been penalise over the last couple of years.
Pete
Guest
@ Martin That's a big call to say that as a player is hurtling towards Sia he is thinking about their ACL or PCL... Completely rediculous thing to say. On his day Sia is a better hooker but Hanson is in good form, I think he is like hercules and his beard is giving him strength... Hanson is a dark horse for the Hooker role in the Wallabies if he can scrum like he did last week.
Martin
Guest
Oh and it is a shame that there are now so many super rugby games... it means players like this achieve something that took legends like Matfield, for example, 10+ years to achieve. The 100 caps is now the new 50 caps.
Martin
Guest
I can't stand this guy. He always tackles at the opposition player's knees without using his arms. Thus, he is attempting to dislocate or tear the ligament of the knee. Something that should be looked at because we all know how long knee injuries keep players out for. Dirty.
Not a Fan
Guest
Fan favourite? Maybe for fans of the opposing team, as they're guaranteed a shot at goal every 3 minutes when he's playing
Zero Gain
Guest
Saia is the best hooker in Queensland and the 3rd best in Australia. His scrummaging and defence is head and shoulders above all except Moore and TPN. Graham is showing a lack of judgement in benching him and I fear he is as poor a coach as many have suggested.
Bakkies
Guest
Should have happened two years ago.