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Tupou has been replaced by Ruan Smith, who will make his run-on debut.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Scrumhalf Ben Lucas is yet to recover from a concussion sustained last week and has been replaced by James Tuttle.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 the year, with Jayden Ngamanu dropping out of the match-day 23.

The Reds have made a further four changes to the reserves, with Korczyk dropping to the bench for the first time this year and prop Sef Fa’agase, flanker Angus Scott-Young and scrumhalf Tate McDermott back in the match-day 23 for the first time since Round 6.

“It’s disappointing to lose those guys to injury, but we’ve been working hard to develop depth within the squad so that we can cope with these setbacks when they occur. It’s a chance for other players to step up,” Thorn said.

“It’s a good opportunity for Ruan to make his first start for us. We’ve had to shuffle the back row, but Lukhan (Tui) has the ability to play Number 6 and lock, so the injury to Scott (Higginbotham) gives him the chance to start at blindside flanker. He’s in great shape and is excited to have a crack in that position. We’re keen to see how he goes in that different role.

“Liam (Wright) is a very mobile guy who has been working hard on his game. Adam (Korczyk) has been doing a great job as well, but it’s an opportunity for Liam to start this weekend.

“While we’ve lost some guys through injury, we’re also welcoming one back with Izaia (Perese) starting for the first time this year. He’s been cracking in at training, waiting for his chance to get back on the field. He’s a guy who offers a bit of strike in attack, so it’s good to have him back.”

Queensland Reds team to play NSW Waratahs

1. James Slipper (C) – Bond University
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank
3. Ruan Smith (run-on debut) –GPS
4. Izack Rodda – Easts
5. Kane Douglas – Norths
6. Lukhan Tui – Souths
7. Liam Wright – Easts
8. Caleb Timu – Souths
9. James Tuttle – GPS
10. Jono Lance – University of Queensland
11. Izaia Perese – Easts
12. Samu Kerevi – Souths
13. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths
14. Filipo Daugunu – Wests
15. Aidan Toua – Easts

16. Alex Mafi – Bond University
17. JP Smith – GPS
18. Sef Fa’agase –University of Queensland
19. Adam Korczyk – University of Queensland
20. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
21. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland
22. Hamish Stewart – Bond University
23. Jordan Petaia – Wests