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.
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.
one way street
Guest
Someone finally said " Pssssssssssst Brad, Lucas is not a scrumhalf , in his early days he was a utility and part time 10 for the Qld Reds .He was sent packing end of 2013 as he was superfluous to requirements as Cooper was a far superior 10 at the Reds ."
All she wrote
Guest
" time to for us to get one over ej’s and chook’s tahs!! " Not with Thorn as coach you wont. Throw a bloke in at 15 who was the 10 all season and then throw the part time 15 in at 10 who was not even in the team all season and throw the other 15 who was 15 for most of the season out all together- Dumb Dumb Dumb.- Your only strike player on the wing dumped. ( The Fijian flyer ) Dumb Dumb Dumb . " Me Thorn , Me Ogre, me no good ,me dumb , me kiwi , me rookie, me have excuse then when me lose "
jeznez
Roar Guru
Would be interesting if true. Think it has been a missed opportunity from the coaches. Vui showed against the Stormers where he and HJH reversed a backpedaling scrum that they look stronger than Robertson and Ryan (with the caveat that they were fresh so not completely conclusive). I think you might be on to the thoughts of Gibson and Cron as the comments from the coaches when Vui wasn't selected for the Sharks match was that it was because Tawake was the strongest scrummager in the squad. Something that didn't bear out in matches.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
There was a comment from Kep's which made me think that Vui has had to wait for more of a go until Latu was up to scratch. It was along the lines of really giving him a help out in the scrum. Latu is a strong little nugget so perhaps Vui was struggling with the lighter Fitz and Roach. It seems to be ringing true with selections.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Gibson is getting closer to what I consider the ideal Tahs pack with Holloway joining Simmons in the second row. Think the scrums will be worth watching. Keen to see Tupou vs Robertson. I expect the set pieces to be split with Tahs doing well at lineout and Reds owning the scrum. Think the Reds will be better at the breakdown this time compared to last but do worry about their defence with Kerevi at 13. Looking forward to the match. Go Tahs!
JJJ
Guest
Good move to drop Lucas. Can't kick and always late to rucks.
Cynical Play
Guest
Great move. I have been hoping Thorn would swap Hamish and Lance. Hamish looks the real deal at 10. Unless Cheika has asked for resting of Tui and Timu, I don’t get it. Are they still injured? Surely they need game fitness. I can see the Reds finishing in front here if the Tahs minds are on the June tests.
riddler
Guest
great news.. looking forward to the game.. time to for us to get one over ej's and chook's tahs!!