Queensland Super Rugby team the Reds have named new signing Ayumu Goromaru in a 26-man squad to play in their second and final pre-season match against the Brumbies at Ballymore Stadium this Friday.
Reds head coach Richard Graham has made a single change to the starting side, with Reds centurion Greg Holmes returning to the field for the first time since the Rugby World Cup final.
Graham has also trimmed his bench down from 13 players to 11 – with several changes in the reserves list, including the addition of Japanese Test players Ayumu Goromaru and Hendrik Tui.
Graham said: “It’s a good opportunity for us continue to challenge ourselves and the way we want to play this season. The fact we get to play at Ballymore again is an added bonus.
“This is our final trial before the season proper kicks off. We did some good things last weekend but we want to see more from the group Friday night. We have been working hard to create pressure and we need capitalise on those opportunities.”
The match is the final opportunity for fans to see the Reds in action before their opening round Super Rugby match against the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday 27 February.
Queensland Reds
1. Ben Daley , 2. Andrew Ready , 3. Greg Holmes , 4. Cadeyrn Neville , 5. Rob Simmons (C) , 6. Lolo Fakaosilea , 7. Liam Gill , 8. Jake Schatz , 9. Nick Frisby , 10. Jake McIntyre , 11. Eto Nabuli , 12. Henry Taefu , 13. Samu Kerevi , 14. Chris Feauai-Sautia , 15. Karmichael Hunt
Replacements : Saia Fainga’a , Sef Fa’agase , Sam Talakai , Ben Matwijow , Curtis Browning , Hendrik Tui , Scott Gale , Sam Greene , Junior Laloifi , Campbell Magnay , Ayumu Goromaru ,
