Reds a chance with no Speight
QUEENSLAND’S hopes of a Super Rugby win over Canberra tonight have been boosted following the withdrawal of star Brumbies winger Henry Speight.
In a massive blow for the Brumbies, 30- year- old Speight was ruled out yesterday morning from making his 100th appearance in the competition due to a knee injury.
James Dargaville has been rushed in to replace Speight, giving the Brumbies a different back three to the one that lost to the NSW Waratahs for the clash at GIO Stadium.
Fullback Tom Hanks and winger Chance Peni had already been recalled to the starting XV, with co- captain Christian Lealiifano saying Peni would make the most of his second opportunity in the team after struggling to find the ball early in the season.
“It’s an exciting back three with players like Banksy and Chance, who’s one we haven’t unleashed or seen the best of yet,” Lealiifano said.
The Brumbies’ recent slide began the last time they played the Reds on March 2, losing 18- 10 at Suncorp Stadium.
“We’ve had a few changes since that last ( Reds) game, but it is in the back of our minds that we didn’t play well last time,” Lealiifano said.
There are also changes in the Reds team, with captain Scott Higginbotham back in the starting line- up and Wallabies bolter Caleb Timu shifting to blindside flanker.
Higginbotham is back in at No. 8 after returning from a three- match suspension via the bench against the Stormers.
The former Wallaby knows how difficult it is to win in Canberra, with the Reds having only three victories there.
“You’re never expecting an easy game in Canberra to play the Brums,” Higginbotham said. “They’ve had a few losses now, but it’ll be a game that’s played up front and we’re expecting it to be a physical match.”
Outside back Jordan Petaia has been named on the bench and is poised to become the Reds’ youngest Super Rugby debutant at 18 years, 24 days.