Quade Cooper will be looking to add to his record Reds Super Rugby tally
this week against the Sharks – Photo: Sportography/QRU

Queensland Reds Media Release:

Three changes have been made to the Queensland Reds starting lineup ahead of their clash with the Sharks in Durban this weekend.

Reds head coach Richard Graham today announced his side to face the Sharks, with three players returning to the Starting XV following the game against the Cheetahs in Brisbane last weekend.

Front rowers James Slipper and Saia Fainga’a have been brought back into the starting side, after filling replacement roles against the Cheetahs.

Slipper replaces Ben Daley at loosehead prop, while Fainga’a comes in for James Hanson.

Winger Lachie Turner also returns to the team, after missing last weekend’s clash due to a knee complaint. He replaces Dom Shipperley on the left wing.

Graham said the changes were a sign of the depth within the Reds’ squad.

“Last weekend’s match against the Cheetahs was a test of the depth in our squad,” Graham said.

“We made some changes to the match-day 23 last week and secured a bonus-point win at home in front of our supporters. It is a good sign moving forward. Depth is key to achieving success and we’re confident any member of our squad can do the job.

“The Sharks will be a tough opponent but it’s certainly a challenge the group are looking forward to confronting. They’re very physical and direct, not unlike the Brumbies under Jake White’s direction.”

The Reds and Sharks have met 19 times in Super Rugby, with Queensland winning 11 of the encounters. The two teams have met nine times in Durban, with the Sharks leading the ledger 5-4. The last time the two teams met was in Brisbane in 2013, when the Reds won convincingly 32-17. The Reds’ last win over the Sharks in Durban was in 2004.

Queensland Reds team to play Sharks in Durban

1. James Slipper: 2. Saia Fainga’a: 3. Greg Holmes: 4. Rob Simmons: 5. James Horwill (C): 6. Eddie Quirk; 7. Liam Gill; 8. Jake Schatz; 9. Will Genia (VC); 10. Quade Cooper; 11. Lachie Turner; 12. Mike Harris; 13. Chris Feauai-Sautia; 14. Rod Davies; 15. Aidan Toua

Replacements from: 16. James Hanson; 17. Ben Daley; 18. Jono Owen; 19. Ed O’Donoghue; 20. Beau Robinson; 21. Nick Frisby; 22. Ben Tapuai; 23. Dom Shipperley