Reds duo in shock selection

WALLABIES duo Izack Rodda and Eto Nabuli have been boldly swung into the Queensland Reds’ opening Super Rugby clash without playing a minute between them in pre-season trials.

Lock Rodda is the surprise starter for the visit to Melbourne to play the remodelled Melbourne Rebels tomorrow night in the first full-on derby of the new season.

Rodda was sidelined for the final five Tests of last year when the call was taken to undergo a shoulder reconstruction rather than play against the All Blacks in Brisbane.

He was not flagged to be ready until next week but the 21-year-old has ticked all the markers on his return-to-play schedule in the past four months.

He returned to full contact in training last week and his 119kg frame will add clout to the physical pack plans of coach Brad Thorn.

“It’s obviously a positive for us to have Izack and Eto back in the mix,” Thorn said.

“The medical staff have done a great job to get them back in time for our first match and the players themselves have worked hard to get themselves right for it.”

Rodda’s ball-carting beside Lukhan Tui, 21, creates the best young lock duo in the country.

Having one-Test Wallaby Nabuli available is ideal timing because the Reds have lost standout winger Izaia Perese (knee ligaments) for the opening five rounds.

Nabuli broke his wrist in pre-season training but has the all-clear now the bone damage has mended.

Thorn’s big call was going with the experience of Jono Lance at flyhalf rather than teenager Hamish Stewart.