St.George Queensland Reds team to play Sunwolves in Tokyo

The St.George Queensland Reds have named their team to take on the Sunwolves in Tokyo this Saturday afternoon. 

The Reds have made three personnel changes to the starting XV which defeated the Lions two weeks ago, highlighted by the return from injury of seasoned campaigners James Slipper and Jono Lance. 

Slipper has recovered from a collar bone injury to regain the starting loosehead jersey. He will also resume his role as stand-in skipper, in the absence of injured captain Scott Higginbotham. 

The only other change to the starting forward pack is a back-row reshuffle, with Adam Korczyk coming in for Caleb Timu, who suffered an ankle injury against the Lions. Korczyk has been named at blindside flanker, with Angus Scott-Young shifting to Number 8. 

In the backs, Lance’s return from a concussion sees him slot back into the starting flyhalf role, with Hamish Stewart moving to starting fullback, after impressing in his first Super Rugby start two weeks ago. Stewart’s positional change sees Aidan Toua move to the bench for the first time this season, with Izaia Perese dropping out of the match-day squad.

In the reserves, prop Sef Fa’agase is back in the match-day 23 for the first time since Round 9, taking the place of Ruan Smith. 

Flanker Liam Wright has also been brought back into the side, taking the spot made available by Korczyk’s promotion to the starting side. 

Twin brothers JP and Ruan Smith were not considered for selection for this match, after the pair missed training commitments early in the bye week. 

The match will be lock Kane Douglas’ 100th Super Rugby cap, after making his debut back in 2010.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “The guys are excited at the challenge ahead. It’s our first trip to Japan to take on the Sunwolves and while the results haven’t gone their way this season, they’re a dangerous team.

“The players have come back fresh from the bye and there’s a good energy among the group. We’re just going about our business, working hard and trying to improve as the season continues. 

“We’re pleased to be able to welcome back Jono (Lance) and James (Slipper). They bring plenty of experience and composure to the group. 

“With Jono back and Hamish playing well in his first start, it felt natural to pick the two of them. They bring similar attributes, they’re both tough competitors. We feel they’ll complement each other well and provide a few more options to the team in attack. 

“It’s disappointing to lose Caleb (Timu) for this match. He’s been thriving. You never like to lose a guy to injury, but we’ve been building depth throughout the season, so we’re always confident in the guys stepping into the role.

“It’s a great achievement for Kane (Douglas) this weekend, reaching 100 games of Super Rugby. That’s something he can be really proud of. These sort of milestones are great and the team know they’re even better after a good result. The challenge is there for us.”

The Reds play the Sunwolves at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium at 1:05pm (AEST) this Saturday. The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.

St.George Queensland Reds team to play Sunwolves
1:05pm AEST, Saturday 12 May – Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo
1. James Slipper (C) – Bond University
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank
3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers
4. Izack Rodda – Easts
5. Kane Douglas – Norths (100th Super Rugby cap)
6. Adam Korczyk –University of Queensland
7. George Smith – Brothers
8. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
9. Ben Lucas – Sunnybank
10. Jono Lance – University of Queensland
11. Jordan Petaia – Wests
12. Samu Kerevi – Souths
13. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths
14. Filipo Daugunu – Wests
15. Hamish Stewart – Bond University

16. Alex Mafi – Bond University
17. Harry Hoopert – Brothers
18. Sef Fa’agase – University of Queensland
19. Harry Hockings – University of Queensland
20. Liam Wright – Easts
21. Moses Sorovi – Wests
22. Duncan Paia’aua - Norths
23. Aidan Toua - Easts