Reds shuffle pack to face Brumbies

MURRAY WENZEL

Hegarty returns after a rib injury kept him off the plane to Japan last week, while McDermott came off the bench to inspire a comeback win over the Sunwolves.

The similarly electric Moses Sorovi makes way for McDermott, while Isaac Lucas returns to the bench and Hamish Stewart remains at fullback after both had been tried at No.10 this season.

Wallabies pair Izack Rodda and Taniela Tupou are also welcome additions for coach Brad Thorn after being rested last week.

Rodda will come off the bench, while Chris FeauaiSautia has been named in the centres ahead of Duncan Paia’aua.

That shift also sees Filipo Daugunu shifted from the bench to the wing after his late-game cameo last weekend helped set up victory.

McKay said the backline shuffle was about playing the cards they’d been dealt. “Sometimes things happen by design or default,” he said, lamenting the need to rest Hegarty last week after he had taken ownership of the No.10 jersey. “He’s (McDermott) earnt his opportunity … it’s a good opportunity to see how he goes starting the game.

“It’s really a rotation there (with Sorovi to enter the game late), but at the same time, Tate’s really earned his spot.”

The Reds (1-3) will play three consecutive home games and can apply serious conference pressure with victory tomorrow against the 2-3 Brumbies.

“It was vital we won,” McKay said of the Sunwolves breakthrough. “We were very, very determined, had strong belief, but gee we made it hard for ourselves.”