The Queensland Reds have made two changes to their side to play this Chiefs in Brisbane on Friday night.

Wallabies lock Kane Douglas will make his first start for Queensland, after a welcome return from injury via the bench against the Brumbies last week. Douglas’ return means Australian Under 20s lock Lukhan Tui has been shifted to the reserves bench, after a promising run in the starting side last week.

In the other change to the starting side, an ankle injury to regular flyhalf Jake McIntyre has presented an opportunity for playmaker Duncan Paia’aua to earn his first start in Super Rugby. Paia’aua came on as an injury replacement for McIntyre at half time last week.

The only other change to the match-day 23 sees the return of veteran Anthony Fainga’a, who has been named on the bench.

“It’s disappointing to lose Jake for this match, but we’re confident in Duncan’s ability. He performed well when he came off the bench to cover for Jake in the second half last week and we’re all looking forward to seeing what he can produce against the Chiefs on Friday night,” Interim Reds coach Matt O’Connor said.

“The Chiefs are top of the New Zealand conference for a reason. We are well aware of the threats they pose. They are a fantastic footy team.

“What’s important for us is that we put in a performance our fans can be proud of. We’ve had a reasonable run at home this year and we want to continue that in our last two matches at Suncorp Stadium for the season.”

Queensland Reds side to play Chiefs

James Slipper, Andrew Ready, Greg Holmes, Cadeyrn Neville, Kane Douglas, Hendrik Tui, Liam Gill, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Duncan Paia’aua, Eto Nabuli, Henry Taefu, Samu Kerevi, Chris Kuridrani, Jack Tuttle. Reserves: Matt Mafi, Sef Fa’agase, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Tui, Leroy Houston, James Tuttle, Anthony Fainga’a, Campbell Magnay.