Reds v Highlanders: Teams
The Reds will continue their late assault on the play-off places when they tackle the Highlanders on Friday.
Last Updated: 05/07/12 11:34am
The Reds will continue their late assault on the play-off places when they tackle the Highlanders on Friday.
The defending champions have put their slow start to the season behind them with a run of four wins on the bounce seeing them locked in a battle for the two final spots.
Coach Ewen McKenzie has been forced into just the one change following the 32-17 win against the Rebels last time out, with Beau Robinson replacing the sidelined Liam Gill on the openside.
There are further changes on the bench, with Ben Tapuai returning from injury and Jarrad Butler poised to make his debut.
The Highlanders, who are all but out of the play-off race after their 27-21 loss to the Chiefs last time out, have made five changes for the trip to Brisbane.
Jimmy Cowan and Mike Delany will team up in a new-look half-back combination, while Siale Piutau replaces the injured Tamati Ellison in the centres.
In the pack England international James Haskell and experienced hooker Andrew Hore both return.
Reds: 15 Luke Morahan, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Chris F'Sautia, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Beau Robinson, 6 Jake Schatz, 5 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 James Slipper, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Radike Samo, 19 Jarrad Butler, 20 Ben Lucas, 21 Ben Tapuai, 22 Nick Frisby.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 James Haskell, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Nick Crosswell, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Ma'afu Fia, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (capt).
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Chris King, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Chris Noakes, 22 Kenny Lynn.
