Former Junior Wallabies forward Angus Blyth will make his first Super Rugby start at lock after pushing into the Reds' side for their crucial Australian conference clash against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night.
Blyth has come into the side for Harry Hockings, who was suspended for three matches for kicking out with his boot while being held in the Reds' win against the Sunwolves last week.
Blyth's elevation to the starting side, along with the promotion of loosehead prop JP Smith, means Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Harry Hoopert will come off the bench for the Reds, with coach Brad Thorn banking on their finishing power helping his side home in a match that is crucial to Queensland's chances of breaking their six-year finals drought.
“A big well done to Angus. This’ll be his fourth game for Queensland. He’s come through the Queensland U20s and the NRC for Queensland Country," Thorn said.
"He’s worked hard for this opportunity and we’re proud of him.
“The Rebels are a tough opposition. They’ve only lost one game at home this year and will be looking for a good performance in front of their fans."
Attack coach Jim Mackay said Wallaby Salakaia-Loto was being rotated to the bench after playing significant minutes through the opening half of the season.
"It's just a rotation this week with those key guys, Lukhan and Blythy," he said.
"But mainly it's an opportunity for Angus and we're really comfortable with the guys we're going to bring on as well.
“We've got three Wallabies to bring on - Lukhan (Salakaia-Loto) will come on and finish the game for us which is going to be an important area, and then you've got Caleb (Timu), who comes back from suspension and then you've got BPA (Brandon Paenga-Amosa) as well.
"So there's three Wallabies there to finish the game also."
Mackay said it was a great opportunity for Blyth, who had worked hard for his chance.
"He's been plugging away, has come through the 20s and brings something different and it's his opportunity,” he said.
"So you would imagine that he would be very eager and enthusiastic, which is terrific.
"It's a great credit to him and a really big moment for him to recognise his first start for the Reds.”
The Rebels dominated the lineouts in their round seven win over the Reds and Mackay said it was an area Queensland had identified as a key heading into Friday's clash and oen in which the 204cm former The Southport School student Blyth could help.
"One of their strengths was the lineouts and that's continued to be so," he said.
"And then also the breakdown presence as well.
"At the moment, they're the best-operating lineout in the competition, defensively as well.
"(Blyth) has got a good lineout presence for us."
In other changes, Caleb Timu is back in the Reds’ 23 after serving a club Rugby suspension, while Isaac Lucas returns following a title-winning campaign with the Junior Wallabies at the Oceania U20s championship.
“It’s good to have Caleb and Isaac available for selection. Isaac returns after winning the U20s championship alongside four other Reds squad members Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser and Michael Wood," Thorn said.
"It’s the highest honour to represent your country and as a group we congratulate them."
Queensland play the Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday, May 10, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, broadcoast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
Reds to face Rebels::
1. JP Smith – GPS
2. Alex Mafi – Bond University
3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers
4. Izack Rodda – Easts
5. Angus Blyth – Bond University*
6. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
7. Liam Wright – Easts
8. Scott Higginbotham – Wests
9. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland
10. Bryce Hegarty – GPS
11. Sefa Naivalu – Norths
12. Samu Kerevi (c) – Souths
13. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths
14. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland
15. Hamish Stewart – Bond University
Reserves:
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank
17. Harry Hoopert – Brothers
18. Ruan Smith – GPS
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths
20. Caleb Timu – Souths
21. Moses Sorovi – Wests
22. Duncan Paia’aua – Norths
23. Isaac Lucas – Sunnybank
