Ben Matwijow named in Queensland Reds starting side
Former Northern Suburbs skipper Ben Matwijow will start his first Super Rugby match this weekend when the Reds face the Bulls for Pretoria.
Matwijow was initially signed by the Reds as cover for injured Wallabies lock Kane Douglas, but has impressed from the bench throughout this year.
The 26-year old replaces Rob Simmons in a Reds side that also features uncapped Queensland Under-20s lock Lukhan Tui and scrumhalf James Tuttle.
Reds co-interim head coach Nick Stiles said: "While there are a couple of changes, we've managed to maintain a reasonable level of continuity throughout the side so far this season and those combinations are starting to show.
“It’s disappointing not to have the experience of Rob (Simmons) there this weekend, but we thought it was best to give his shoulder another week to heal. Ben (Matwijow) has been making a solid impact off the bench and we know he can do a job for us on Saturday night.
“It also presents a great opportunity for Lukhan (Tui) to pot