Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn has made a number of changes to the side which lost to the Brumbies last weekend ahead of Saturday's clash against the Waratahs. In the forward pack, injuries to prop Taniela Tupou (shoulder) and Number 8 Scott Higginbotham (calf) have forced a reshuffle. Tupou has been replaced by Ruan Smith, who will make his run-on debut. Higginbotham’s injury sees Caleb Timu shift to Number 8, with Lukhan Tui brought into the starting side at blindside flanker. While Liam Wright has earned his first start at openside flanker since Round 4, with Adam Korczyk moving to the bench. Experienced prop James Slipper will take over the captaincy in Higginbotham’s absence. The Reds have also made two changes to the starting backline. Scrumhalf Ben Lucas is yet to recover from a concussion sustained last week and has been replaced by James Tuttle. Wing Izaia Perese has returned from a knee injury suffered in the pre-season to earn his first start of th