Reds side to play Stormers in Cape Town

Apr 21 • General News, Super Rugby • 1165 Views • Comments Off on Reds side to play Stormers in Cape Town

The St.George Queensland Reds have announced their side to play the Stormers in Cape Town this Saturday.

The side features two changes to the starting lineup which lost to the Bulls last weekend, with lock Rob Simmons returning from a shoulder injury and Curtis Browning replacing injured Number 8 Jake Schatz.

Simmons’ return has shifted Cadeyrn Neville to the bench. There are two further changes to the reserves, with flanker Michael Gunn brought into the match-day 23 for the first time since Round 1 and centre Duncan Paia’aua in line to play his first game for the Reds since Round 1 2015.

Reds co-interim head coach Matt O’Connor said: “It’s great to have Rob Simmons back in the starting side for this weekend’s match. He’s an experienced campaigner and will add a bit of starch up front. We’ve also opted to retain Ben Matwijow in the starting side, after making his run-on debut last weekend – he stepped up, handled the extra responsibility well last weekend and deserves another opportunity.

“While it was unfortunate to lose Jake Schatz to injury last week, Curtis Browning is a very capable replacement, who has been doing good work for us all season. We also have Michael Gunn in the 23 this weekend who can provide us with a strong presence over the ball late in the game.

“Duncan Paia’aua has been training well this year and slowly working his way back into contention. He’s a talented footballer who offers us cover in a number of positions. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do when he gets on to the field.

“There is no doubt in our minds how tough this match will be. The Stormers have been the most consistent South African team over the last couple of years and we know how good we’ll have to perform to get the result at Newlands on Saturday.”

The Reds face the Stormers in Cape Town this Saturday, 23 April, at Newlands Stadium at 11:00pm (AEST). The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.

On this ANZAC weekend, the charitable initiative ‘Be Great, Do Good’ is supporting the Legacy charity, which provides services to Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service. Legacy currently care for around 80,000 widows and 1,800 children and disabled dependants throughout Australia.

Reds teammates Cadeyrn Neville and Ben Matwijow will wear the unique headgear to raise funds and awareness for the Legacy cause this week. The initiative was founded by Reds prop Ben Daley, who will continue to support the charities despite missing four months due to injury.

St.George Queensland Reds team to play Stormers
11:00pm, Saturday 23 April, Newlands Stadium
1. James Slipper (C)
2. Andrew Ready
3. Greg Holmes
4. Ben Matwijow
5. Rob Simmons
6. Hendrik Tui
7. Liam Gill
8. Curtis Browning
9. Nick Frisby
10. Jake McIntyre
11. Eto Nabuli
12. Anthony Fainga’a
13. Samu Kerevi
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia
15. Karmichael Hunt

16. Saia Fainga’a
17. Sef Fa’agase
18. Sam Talakai
19. Cadeyrn Neville
20. Michael Gunn
21. James Tuttle
22. Duncan Paia’aua
23. Ayumu Goromaru