Age policy lets Smith skip Argie-bargy
FRONTLINE forwards George Smith and Rob Simmons have been rested from Sunday’s tough tango in Buenos Aires in the biggest call of the Nick Stiles reign as Reds coach.
Chopping further experience from the side seemed remote when the 200-game value of Quade Cooper (suspension) and James Slipper (torn achilles) was lost this week. Stiles has boldly stuck to his belief that utilising the entire squad, not just his top 15, is the only way to maximise performance during the most intense, high-travel period of the season. Out go another 251 games of combined Super Rugby experience because warrior flanker Smith and lock Simmons are absent from the bench as well against the Jaguares.
A coach of less conviction may have continued to play Smith for his consistent class but, at 36, it is a wise call to give him breathers.
Young livewire Adam Korczyk jumps into Smith’s No.7 jersey while the impressive charges of young lock Izack Rodda can get the Reds rumbling on the front foot without Simmons. In other pack changes, bullocking runner Leroy Houston wins his first back-row chance of the year ahead of Hendrik Tui while Markus Vanzati will start at prop.
“We knew when we signed George and Stephen Moore that to get the best from their ability and experience, at their age, we had to manage them,” Stiles said.
“To think George would play every game is unrealistic coming off a full Top League season in Japan.
“Izack gives us real momentum with his ball carries and Leroy is in career-best shape to play the abrasive, physical style that suits us against the Jaguares.”
James Tuttle will take over the line-kicking now he has bumped Wallaby Nick Frisby from the halfback job.
“I’ve been told not to change anything ... just keep the energy up,” Tuttle said.
Former Brisbane Bronco Lachie Maranta is on the bench for the first time as fullback-wing cover.
Stephen Moore steps up as captain in his return to the starting line-up for the 7.40am game on Sunday morning.