Reds name strong starting XV for Crusaders trial

[Darren]

The combination of electric St.George Reds and Wallabies playmakers Will Genia and Quade Cooper headlines a strong starting lineup for Saturday’s trial game against the Crusaders in Cairns (kickoff 6:30pm).

Head Coach Ewen McKenzie has named a host of frontline players to start the match after initially selecting a 28-man touring squad earlier in the week.

In their last encounter with the Crusaders flyhalf Cooper, one of nine Wallabies spring tourists named in the trial squad, amassed an record breaking 31 points in a memorable 41-20 Reds victory.

Captain James Horwill has been named at lock in what will be his first game since enduring a season ending knee injury in that same clash with the Crusaders in 2010.

The only change to the initial 28-man squad sees Australian U20s and QAS Reds Academy scrumhalf Ian Prior come in for Ben Lucas, who will remain in Brisbane with a minor injury complaint.

“The strength of the squad reflects the importance we are placing on finding the right combinations for the season. It’s also important for us as coaches to find out more about players we don’t know as much about,” McKenzie said.

“Everyone’s looking forward to a couple of week’s time when the season kicks off but it’s important we do the hard work now to get into a good position.”

Reds team to play Crusaders (from fullback): Rod Davies, Aidan Toua, Digby Ioane, Will Chambers, Luke Morahan, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (vc), Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Radike Samo, Van Humphries, James Horwill (c), James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley.

Reserves: Kimami Sitauti, Ben Tapuai, Mike Harris, Ian Prior, Leroy Houston, Lei Tomiki, Beau Robinson, Ben Coridas, David McDuling, Guy Shepherdson, James Hanson, Albert Anae, Greg Holmes

[Burgs]

Will be the first time in a fair few years that Qld #7 doesn't get an automatic tick in the calculations. A big opportunity for Gill to step up, but will no doubt have Tomiki and Robinson snapping at his heels.
Pleased to see Robinson getting another life too, hope he maintains the rage, always entertaining

[James]

That Crusaders side is going to get minced. They have a whole heap of players out injured and Robbie Freuen, Chris Jack and Wyatt Crockett aside reads like a whos who of nobodies.

[TOCC]

A big centre pairing in Ioane and Chambers, also interesting to see Samo at 6 and Higgers at 8

[James]

50 says Gill gets injured. Just to piss McKenzie off.

[BDAVEY]

Reds will struggle this season, ........Crusaders payers will be playing for their position this year

[Hoolly Doolly]

Will be the first time in a fair few years that Qld #7 doesn't get an automatic tick in the calculations. A big opportunity for Gill to step up, but will no doubt have Tomiki and Robinson snapping at his heels.
Pleased to see Robinson getting another life too, hope he maintains the rage, always entertaining

Yes good to see Robinson given another crack. He should have left the tahs sooner then he did when it was clear waugh was never going to lose his spot. Same reason why our hodgo left.