REDS WELCOME BACK JAKE SCHATZ
Reds’ No. 8 Jake Schatz will make his return from a four-week injury layoff this week as he slots straight back into the starting side to take on the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The inclusion of Schatz at the back of the scrum is the only personnel change head coach Richard Graham has made to the starting lineup which lost to the Hurricanes two weeks ago.
Schatz comes into the starting side at the expense of recent debutant Adam Korczyk, with Thomson shifting back to blindside flanker.
The Reds also welcome back Ben Tapuai and Jamie-Jerry Taulagi from injury, with both included in the reserves for tomorrow’s match.
Tapuai missed two matches due to a shoulder injury suffered against the Bulls and Taulagi injured his knee in Round 1 against the Brumbies.
Lolo Fakaosilea is also in line to play just his second game of Super Rugby after making his debut against the Hurricanes two weeks ago.
Graham said it was pleasing to welcome some players back into the side ahead of Friday’s match.
“We’ve got a number of boys coming back into the squad following the bye. Some are returning from injury and others deserve the opportunity through good form. All will play a part in the team’s performance at some stage,” he said.
“Unfortunately Karmichael (Hunt) and Saia (Fainga’a) aren’t available for this match. Karmichael hasn’t come good. Due to illness since we returned from South Africa he hasn’t got the miles is his legs where we could be confident he wouldn’t suffer a restrain of his adductor. With a short block of games to go, we need him fit and available for the majority.
“Saia (Fainga’a) is slowly recovering from his (upper body) injury in the Bulls game. He is progressing a little slower than originally anticipated but he is now back running and making good progress. We expect a return in the next week or so.
“I have been pleased with Adam Korczyk’s development over the past few weeks but it was always part of our plan to manage his games. Rather than sit on the bench this weekend, he will be available for selection for the Australian U20s against the New Zealand U20s as part of the lead up to the Junior World Championship.”
The Reds and Crusaders have a lengthy history and Graham said the side would travel to Christchurch with the knowledge of how formidable the Crusaders are to play at home.
“This is a strong rivalry that goes back to the beginning of the professional era. When people think of Reds v Crusaders, most would probably have 2011 at the forefront of their mind, but there were many matches played against the Crusaders in the 1990s that were incredible contests,” he said.
Reds XV
1. James Slipper (C)
2. James Hanson
3. Greg Holmes
4. Rob Simmons (VC)
5. James Horwill
6. Adam Thomson
7. Liam Gill
8. Jake Schatz
9. Will Genia
10. Nick Frisby
11. James O’Connor
12. Anthony Fainga’a
13. Samu Kerevi
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia
15. Lachie Turner
Replacements
16. Andrew Ready
17. Sef Fa’agase
18. Sam Talakai
19. Marco Kotze
20. Lolo Fakaosilea
21. Scott Gale
22. Ben Tapuai
23. Jamie-Jerry Taulagi
Courtesy Of SANZAR
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