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Winger Aidan Toua will make his first appearance of the Super Rugby season for the Queensland Reds, who have made four starting changes to their team to face the Bulls in Pretoria.
Toua replaces Filipo Daugunu while Chris Feauai-Sautia is recovered from a hamsting injury and back at outside centre for the match on Sunday morning (AEDT).
Prop Taniela Tupou and Alex Mafi are also restored after coming off the bench in last week’s 24-12 win over the Stormers in Brisbane.
Toua, 29, will start on the left wing in place of Daugunu, who broke his arm during the Stormers match, and push rookie Jack Hardy to the right.
While former Brumbies back Toua made 13 appearances in his return to the Reds last season, he hadn’t been required until the team embarked on their two-match trip to South Africa.
Feauai-Sautia replaces the in-form Sefa Naivalu, who is rested under the Wallabies player welfare protocol.
Both front row changes are straight swaps, with prop Ruan Smith and hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa dropping to the bench.
It is Tupou’s first start in three games, with the Wallabies tighthead still seeking his most dynamic form.
Coach Brad Thorn has promoted Brisbane club winger Jock Campbell to the bench and he could make his Super Rugby debut at the intimidating Loftus Versfeld venue.
Also on the bench is flanker Angus Scott-Young, who has recovered from a head knock that ruled him out last week.
Thorn said his ninth-placed Reds are wary of a sixth-placed Bulls team who are coming off a surprise 22-20 home loss to the Jaguares last week.
“Playing at Loftus is always a great and challenging experience,” he said.
“The Bulls will be highly motivated playing at home. After a couple of results haven’t gone their way, they’ll be putting in a good performance in front of their fans.”
QUEENSLAND REDS
Hamish Stewart, Jack Hardy, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi (capt), Aidan Toua, Bryce Hegarty, Tate McDermott, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Wright, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Hockings, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, JP Smith. Res: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Hoopert, Ruan Smith, Angus Blyth, Angus Scott-Young, Moses Sorovi, Duncan Paia’aua, Jock Campbell.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.