George Smith will make his long-awaited return to action after being named in the Reds matchday squad to take on the Chiefs in Brisbane on Saturday.
The match is the Reds’ first home game in six weeks and will recognise ANZAC Round, as well as marking Queensland’s 1000th capped Rugby match, a significant milestone in the 136-year history of Queensland Rugby Union.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn has made three personnel changes to his starting XV which lost to the Waratahs in Sydney last week, with prop Taniela Tupou and scrum-half Ben Lucas returning from injury and flanker Angus Scott-Young promoted to the run-on team.
Tupou’s return from a shoulder injury sees him resume his role as starting tighthead prop, ahead of Ruan Smith, who moves to the bench, with Sef Fa’agase dropping out of the matchday 23.
Lucas has recovered from a concussion suffered against the Brumbies two weeks ago to take the place of James Tuttle, who has dropped out of the 23.
A knee injury to Lukhan Tui, has prompted the back-row reshuffle, with Scott-Young taking his place at blindside flanker, earning his first start since Round 6.
The Reds have also made a number of changes to the bench, highlighted by the return from injury of veteran flanker Smith, who has recovered from back surgery he had late last year to be named in the matchday 23 for the first time in 2018. The Wallaby legend takes the place of Adam Korczyk in the reserves.
Lock Harry Hockings also returns to the matchday 23 for the first time since Round 6, taking the spot left vacant by Scott-Young’s promotion.
The only other change to the bench sees scrum-half Moses Sorovi brought in for the first time this season, with Tate McDermott dropping out.
Thorn said: "Everyone is excited to be back at Suncorp Stadium. It’s been six weeks since we’ve had the opportunity to play at home, in front of our friends, family and fans. It’s great to be back.
"It’s a good occasion to return home to, with the opportunity to mark Queensland’s 1000th capped match, while also recognising ANZAC Round and paying tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line for our country.
"We’ve made a few changes to the team and it’s great to be able to bring Taniela (Tupou) and Ben (Lucas) back into the side. They missed out last week due to injury and they’ll be keen to get stuck in this weekend. They both offer plenty to the team.
"Unfortunately Lukhan suffered an injury last week, but we’ve got confidence in the depth of this squad. Angus (Scott-Young) gets another opportunity in the starting side and he’ll be keen to get involved in everything.
"His promotion also presents an opportunity for Harry (Hockings) to come back into the side. He may only be 19 and in his first season of Super Rugby, but we’ve been impressed with how he’s played and we see a bright future for him.
"We’re also welcoming George back into the side for the first time this year. It’s great to see the old master return. He brings experience and composure as well as being a real threat at the breakdown.
"Moses gets his first crack of the season too. We’ve seen what James (Tuttle) and Tate (McDermott) can do and Moses has been working away in the background, waiting for his chance.
"It’s been a disappointing couple of weeks for us, we felt we haven’t played to our potential. Australian Super Rugby teams have had a terrible record against New Zealand teams in recent years, so there is a tough challenge in front of us but we’re excited by the opportunity."
Reds: 15 Aidan Toua, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Izaia Perese, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Ben Lucas, 8 Caleb Timu, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 James Slipper (c)
Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Harry Hockings, 20 George Smith, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Hamish Stewart, 23 Jordan Petaia
Date: Saturday, April 21
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19:45 local (09:45 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Nicholas Berry (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
Television match official: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
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