Reds wing Filipo Daugunu has been named on the bench for Saturday’s clash with the Sharks after serving out a five-week suspension.
The Fijian-born flyer will make his first appearance of the season after being banned for a tip tackle in a pre-season match against the Melbourne Rebels last month.
Daugunu, who incidentally scored five tries in the match before being sent off, has missed his side’s first four matches, which included a thumping win over the Sunwolves last weekend.
Coach Brad Thorn has made two changes to his starting lineup for the clash in Brisbane against the men from Durban, with Harry Hockings set to start at lock for the first time this season.
Loose forward Angus Scott-Young also gets a start ahead of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who will provide cover from the bench.
Meanwhile, Daugunu’s selection on the replacements bench has utility back Bryce Hegarty dropping out of the match-day squad altogether.
Reds – 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Henry Speight, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright (c), 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 JP Smith. Subs: 16 Ed Craig, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Scott Malolua, 22 Isaac Lucas, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Watch Daugunu’s length-of-the-field try against the Stormers in 2018 below:
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Photo: Twitter/@Reds_Rugby
