O’Connor to make Reds return against Bulls
JAMES O’Connor’s back for the Queensland Reds tomorrow but coach Brad Thorn’s found no room for inform halfback Tate McDermott, who will come off the bench in their crucial Super Rugby clash with the Bulls.
McDermott was rotated out of the starting side that lost 24-20 to the Crusaders last weekend.
Scott Malolua has retained his berth, leaving the opportunistic McDermott and Isaac Lucas, who played well in the No. 10 in Christchurch, as lategame finishers.
O’Connor will replace Lucas in the driver’s seat after overcoming an ankle injury while Hunter Paisami’s knee injury has forced Chris FeauaiSautia to shift in from the wing and allowed Bryce Hegarty to return on the right flank.
Hegarty’s return should also resolve the Reds’ goalkicking woes after they missed all four conversion attempts in the loss to the Crusaders.
Thorn also made changes in the forward pack with prop Dane Zander to make his first Super Rugby start. Angus Blyth joins Harry Hockings in the second row with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto moving back to No.6.
On the bench, Harry Hoopert returns while there’s also a potential Super Rugby debut for Jack Straker following his elevation into the Reds’ squad as injury cover for front-row pair Feao Fotuaika (foot) and Dave Feao (scapula).
The Reds have led or shared the halftime lead in all six games this season but have just one win to their name to sit 10 points behind conference leaders the Brumbies. It makes their clash against the Pretoria-based Bulls (1-4) vital, ahead of four straight games against conference rivals.
“Fundamentally, we got a lot of things right, created a lot of opportunities,” assistant coach Jim McKay said.
“We need to be able to finish our line breaks better … we need to be more ruthless, patient and precise.
“Hopefully, that’ll get us on the other side of the ledger,” McKay said.