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.
James GC
Roar Rookie
They have one he is just playing 10 for them. DP would be good at having TK for crash or Tom Banks as a wrap to put into space. Man I'd love for him to come home to qld but I fear without a decent 10 at the reds he would yet again be wasted talent.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yes first and foremost it’s an engine room role.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Tough luck for the Reds, too. Would be a great backline with both Petaia and Daugunu fit.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yeah I feel sorry for DP, just hasn’t looked settled this year, not surprising I guess. Probably would have been better for him and Aus rugby if he’d been at the Brums this year, they could use a playmaker 12.
James GC
Roar Rookie
Broken arm one would expect 6-8 weeks min
James GC
Roar Rookie
Yeah feels a better fit however both SK and CFS have played their best in the 12 & 13 respectively however CFS is not lost on the wing either. I haven't felt we have had the best DP this year though, but he is better then toua.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yep CFS is back to the form that first got him noticed. I love him at 13, too, it's his best position, just think DP in for Toua (and shuffling SK and CFS out one) is the better side.
James GC
Roar Rookie
Agreed aiden toua was a liability for both the reds and brumbies dropped pill and isolated so often. I hope CFS continues to show form he could be a bolter I tells ya.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Do wingers really need resting??!! Would have preferred 12. DP and CFS on the wing ahead of Toua. Hope to see a bit of Campbell, shows promise.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I think this is his issue... he has tried TOO hard at times. He needs to be told to pull back from big plays, and just put his head down... at the moment, he is trying to make every moment the big moment. He needs to grind, and respect the grind first. Then when the moment is right, it can be the big moment.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Daugunu, who broke his arm during the Stormers match A real loss for Reds.
riddler
Roar Rookie
no idea mate. just read it here. i am becoming long on filipo. he has more than cfs and sefa i feel.
Rugby wizard
Guest
Do you know how long Filipo will be out of action?
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Not even the SA home town Ref and his 639 - 4 penalty count will stop the Reds.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Physically, he is a specimen, nothing has changed. He just seems to be doubting himself when things have gine against him. Thor just needs to put his head down, work hard across the field and not look for those plays that’ll make the headlines. He is actually at a crossroad in his career. Lers see how he goes rhis week.
riddler
Roar Rookie
feel for filipo. he was showing form. nobody will back us and rightfully so. i can see a win!! ;)
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
It would be a mighty effort to come away with a win. Thor is an issue though, been a little while now since he was at his best.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Hopefully, Thor aims up this week and plays to his ability. Wallabies need him firing. Also Aiden T back. He must of kicked Brads pit bull over the off season. Big job in Africa to get a win.