Reds youngster handed first start

Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Friday’s match against the Stormers at Suncorp Stadium.

 
Chris Feauai-Sautia (hamstring) and Angus Scott-Young (concussion) have both been ruled out, while Brandon Paenga-Amosa will start at hooker this week.

 
Harry Hockings comes off the bench at lock, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto shifting to the backrow to accommodate Scott-Young’s absence.
 

In the backline, Jack Hardy will make his Super Rugby starting debut for Queensland on the wing, as Sefa Naivalu moves to outside centre to cover for Feauai-Sautia.
 

There are also two changes to the reserves, with hooker Alex Mafi out of the starting side this week and lock Angus Blyth recalled into Queensland’s 23.

 
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “We were disappointed with our performance against the Rebels. Our focus remains on growing our game and improving as a group every week.
 

“The Stormers will be dangerous. They’re a tough outfit. They’ll be hungry for a win.

 
“Angus (Scott-Young) is out this week. He’s still recovering from a concussion he picked up in the Rebels game. We’ve got good depth in the second and backrow with Harry Hockings, Angus Blyth and Fraser McReight there, plus also Lukhan’s versatility to play at both lock and flanker.

 
“We’re continuing to monitor Chris. He has a history of hamstring injuries and we don’t want to risk him this week. It sees Sefa shift to 13. He played some of his NRC footy in that position at Melbourne.

 
“Jack Hardy gets his opportunity to start for the first time. He’s a talented footballer and has impressed us since joining us in the pre-season. He’s had two good games off the bench against the Tahs and the Rebels. He deserves his spot and we congratulate him on this achievement,” said Thorn.
 

 
 
St.George Queensland Reds v Stormers

 
1. JP Smith – GPS 
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank
3. Ruan Smith – GPS 
4. Izack Rodda – Easts
5. Harry Hockings – University of Queensland 
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths
7. Liam Wright – Easts
8. Scott Higginbotham – Wests
9. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland
10. Bryce Hegarty – GPS
11. Jack Hardy – Easts*
12. Samu Kerevi (c) – Souths
13. Sefa Naivalu – Norths
14. Filipo Daugunu – Wests
15. Hamish Stewart – Bond University
 
16. Alex Mafi – Bond University
17. Harry Hoopert – Brothers
18. Taniela Tupou – Brothers
19. Angus Blyth – Bond University 
20. Fraser McReight – Brothers
21. Moses Sorovi – Wests
22. Duncan Paia’aua – Norths
23. Isaac Lucas – Sunnybank