QR Queensland Reds Head Coach Eddie Jones has held back on finalising his team for Saturday night’s Investec Super 14 match against the Blues in Auckland to ensure that winger-turned-centre Peter Hynes has fully recovered from a sprained ankle.
A squad of 23 Reds left Brisbane this morning, with the starting 15 and seven reserves still to be decided. The final 22 must be announced no later than 24 hours before the match.
“We decided to wait a bit longer to see how Peter Hynes shapes up – it’s just a precaution,” said Jones.
Utility back Hynes was a surprise selection at inside centre against the Brumbies last weekend and provided real attacking thrust in the unfamiliar
role until he was forced off by the ankle injury.
The 23-man Reds squad is:
Forwards:
Ole Avei
Rodney Blake
Mitchell Chapman
Ben Coutts
David Croft
Sean Hardman
Herman Hunt
James Horwill
Tom McVerry
Ed O’Donoghue
John Roe (c)
Cam Treloar
Backs:
Berrick Barnes
Caleb Brown
Nic Berry
Quade Cooper
Charlie Fetoai
Will Genia
Peter Hynes
Clinton Schifcofske
Ben Tune
Brando Va’alu
Henari Veratau