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The Roar

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Reds send out rookie halves to face Tahs

Moses Sorovi of Brisbane City passes the ball during the round one NRC match between Brisbane and Fiji at Ballymore Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
31st May, 2018
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Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn continues to surprise, thrusting a new young halves combination into Saturday’s high-pressure Super Rugby showdown with the NSW Waratahs.

Electric halfback Moses Sorovi, 22, will be making his starting debut alongside 20-year-old five eighth Hamish Stewart in the Suncorp Satdium match, when the Reds attempt to turn around a 37-16 thumping in their last meeting with the Australian conference leaders.

Sorivi displaces Ben Lucas who drops to the bench, paying the price for an errant kicking game against the Highlanders in last round’s 18-15 loss.

After playing out of position at fullback, Hamish Stewart returns as five eighth in a direct switch with veteran Jono Lance.

Thorn had no qualms about fielding such a raw halves combination in the derby clash.

“Sorovi is an exciting young prospect and we felt he deserved the chance to show what he can do from the kick off,” said Thorn.

“We also felt it was the right time to give Hamish another opportunity in the starting flyhalf jersey.”

Despite being named in Michael Cheika’s Wallabies squad on Wednesday, Caleb Timu was named on the bench with Reds captain Scott Higginbotham filling the starting No.8 spot.

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And in another surprise, 21-year-old forward Lukhan Tui has not been named for a Super Rugby return despite also winning a spot in Cheika’s squad.

The emerging lock has barely played at Super Rugby level this season thanks to injury and suspension but was brutal for club side Souths last weekend.

Veteran lock Kane Douglas has regained his starting spot ahead of youngster Harry Hockings.

Fullback Aidan Toua has been dropped from the squad with utility back Jayden Ngamanu added to the bench.

The Reds (4-8) are long odds to feature in the Super Rugby finals, while the Waratahs (6-1-5) hold a one-point lead over the Brumbies in the Australian conference.

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