Reds v Blues: Teams

Reds recall: Ben Tapuai

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has made just one change to his side with Ben Tapuai gaining selection at inside centre to face the Blues in Brisbane.

Tapuai, 22, has been chosen in his favoured number 12 jersey after his two previous outings in 2011 came at outside centre against the Cheetahs and the Rebels.

He comes into the squad for Mike Harris, who has undergone arthroscopic surgery on the knee he injured late in the win over the Rebels.

"We considered a few options to replace Mike but in the end the decision for a straight swap at inside centre allows us to continue building continuity at our other backline positions," McKenzie said.

"Ben is a talented player and in his two starts this season against the Rebels and Cheetahs we scored our two biggest wins of the season."

After being a late exclusion against the Rebels in Melbourne due to an infected elbow, Greg Holmes hasn't progressed sufficiently to be considered for selection this week.

"This is also the least number of changes we've made to our team all year and that is important at what is the end of a very long block of nine games for us," added McKenzie.

"It has been a challenging period without a break, but the team has aimed up each week. I expect the same on Friday night and being a contest between one and two on the ladder, we're definitely not struggling for motivation."

Injuries

The Blues have been boosted with the return of All Blacks Luke McAlister and Anthony Boric.

The duo have recovered from their respective injuries as McAlister takes his place at inside centre, while Boric slots in at lock.

The experienced pair's inclusion are the only two personnel changes to the Blues' starting line-up that edged a 17-11 win over the Hurricanes last weekend.

McAlister's return means Lachie Munro drops to the bench, while Benson Stanley and Rene Ranger each move one place out in the backline to centre and wing.

Boric's availability comes at an apt time, after flanker Jerome Kaino limped off with a strained hamstring against the Hurricanes.

Chris Lowrey moves from lock to take over Kaino's number six jersey.

Meanwhile, replacement scrum-half Chris Smylie's wife is due to give birth this week and the timing could determine whether he makes the trip across the Tasman.

Reds: 15 Ben Lucas, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Radike Samo, 7 Beau Robinson, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 James Horwill (c), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 James Slipper, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 19 Jake Schatz, 20 Ian Prior, 21 Will Chambers, 22 Dom Shipperley.

Blues: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Chris Lowery, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tevita Mailau.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Pauliasi Manu, 18 James King, 19 Sean Polwart, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Lachie Munro, 22 Sherwin Stowers.