The Reds have named their Super Rugby team to play the Hurricanes with Ayumu Goromaru starting at fullback and lock Rob Simmons earning his 100th cap.
Goromaru comes into the side replacing Karmicheal Hunt who has been ruled out with a groin injury and is the only change to the side that lost to the Crusaders.
Lock Simmons made his Super Rugby debut for his state against the Bulls in 2009 and has grown into one of the side’s most senior figures in recent years.
He was part of the Reds revival which saw them claim a Super Rugby title in 2011 and has also represented his country 60 times, including two Rugby World Cup tournaments.
At 27 years old, he will become the youngest forward to have reached 100 caps for Queensland when he takes the field against the Hurricanes this weekend.
Injury has also forced a change to the reserves, with hooker Saia Fainga’a replaced by Matt Mafi after undergoing foot surgery that will sideline him for seven weeks.
Reds co-interim head coach Nick Stiles said: “We’ve got another tough match this weekend against a very strong Kiwi team.
“The team recognises the significance of this match, both in testing ourselves against one of the competition leaders and in putting up a performance worthy of Rob Simmons’ 100th cap for Queensland. It’s a fantastic achievement for Rob and he joins an elite group of centurions who have represented this state. It’s a just reward for his dedication and professionalism over a number of years.
“Injury has meant that we’ve had to make a couple of changes to the side, but the guys we’re bringing in are familiar with what we’re trying to do and we’re confident in what they can offer. ”
“Being able to bring a guy of Ayumu Goromaru’s experience straight into the starting side is a big benefit for us. This is a good opportunity for him to step up and demonstrate what we know he is capable of.”
Queensland Reds
1. James Slipper (C), 2. Andrew Ready, 3. Greg Holmes, 4. Ben Matwijow, 5. Rob Simmons (100th Queensland/Super Rugby cap), 6. Hendrik Tui, 7. Liam Gill, 8. Curtis Browning, 9. Nick Frisby, 10. Jake McIntyre, 11. Eto Nabuli, 12. Anthony Fainga’a, 13. Campbell Magnay, 14. Chris Feauai-Sautia, 15. Ayumu Goromaru
Replacements : 16. Matt Mafi, 17. Sef Fa’agase, 18. Sam Talakai, 19. Cadeyrn Neville, 20. Michael Gunn, 21. James Tuttle, 22. Duncan Paia’aua, 23. Junior Laloifi
