Queensland Reds announce Round 3 team for first home match

The Queensland Reds have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday's clash against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium. 

Harry Hockings will start at lock, as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto shifts to blindside flanker for the Reds first home match of 2019. A reshuffle to the backrow sees Angus Scott-Young at number eight, with Caleb Timu on the bench. 

Timu will form a formidable backrow interchange pairing with Scott Higginbotham, who is set to play his first Super Rugby game of 2019 after missing last week's trip to Dunedin with a shoulder injury. 

Powerhouse frontrower JP Smith will also make his return from injury (knee) this weekend after being named alongside Higginbotham on the bench. 

After causing plenty of headaches for the Highlanders defence, Queensland's backline remains the same from last week.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “It’s good to have Higgers and JP back. They bring good experience and provide us with a strong bench.
 

“Harry has been working hard at training and deserves his spot in the starting side this week.
 

“Lukhan and Angus are both big mobile players who provide us with good versatility and options in the backrow.
 

“The Crusaders are an experienced team. We can’t wait to play in front of our home fans and see the stands filled with maroon,” said Thorn.

 
Queensland Reds v Crusaders – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane