Houston we have a problem?
Sydney – Vodacom Super Rugby pace-setters the Reds have omitted No 8 Leroy Houston from their squad to play the Hurricanes on Saturday in Wellington. Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has delayed naming his starting team for the round 11 clash at Westpac Stadium, instead opting to announce a 23-man travel squad. Houston has played off the bench in Reds the last three wins over the Stormers, Bulls and NSW as Radike Samo has started in the back-row, moving Scott Higginbotham to No 8. With regular starters Ben Daley, James Slipper, Digby Ioane and Rod Davies unavailable through injury, McKenzie has called rising rookie Albert Anae and young three-quarters Dom Shipperley and Kimami Sitauti in for their Super Rugby debuts. Veteran lock Van Humphries also returns after eight weeks on the sidelines with a thumb injury for what would be his 50th game for Queensland. “We’ve got a few players missing this week but what we lose in experience we more than make up for in youthful exuberance,” McKenzie said. “Albert, Dom and Kimami were all given full-time Reds contracts in the off-season for a reason and Saturday is an opportunity for them to show why. “They are all talented players with unique skill sets and Im confident they can handle the challenge if called upon. “Bringing Van back into the squad is also a major boost and no doubt he will be raring to go in what will be his 50th game.”
(News24)
