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Turinui not in Reds side for Africa tour
By Jim Morton, AAP March 18, 2010, 10:38 am
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Former Wallabies vice-captain Morgan Turinui is a surprise exclusion from the 26-man Queensland Reds squad to tour South Africa.
Despite starting the first four games of the Super 14, the classy outside centre has been left out completely for the three-match tour.
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie admitted Wallabies three-quarter Digby Ioane's successful switch to the midfield against the Western Force on Sunday had been a major factor in the decision.
McKenzie also has former Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers, a project player at No.13, in the squad.
Turinui is the only member of the 22 which defeated the Force 50-10 not travelling to South Africa where the sixth-placed Reds have winnable games against the Cheetahs, Sharks and Lions.
One of 23 off-contract players at Ballymore, it leaves the 28-year-old's future under a huge cloud.
Winger Rod Davies has recovered from a fractured cheekbone to make the trip along with fellow reinforcements prop Jack Kennedy, back-rower Ezra Taylor, centre Ben Tapuai and back-up five-eighth Tim Walsh.
While the Reds have only announced the re-signing of Saia and Anthony Faingaa from 23 off-contract players, McKenzie revealed 22 players had already committed to the 2011 Super 15 season.
Queensland squad: Forwards - Daniel Braid, Adam Byrnes, Ben Daley, Saia Faingaa, Sean Hardman, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, Leroy Houston, Van Humphries, Jack Kennedy, Jake Schatz, Robert Simmons, Ezra Taylor, Laurie Weeks.
Backs - Will Chambers, Quade Cooper, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Will Genia (capt), Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Ben Tapuai, Brando Va'aulu, Tim Walsh.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...r-africa-tour/