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George Smith returns for Reds

Cape Town - George Smith will make his long-awaited return to action after being named in the Reds matchday squad to take on the Chiefs in Brisbane on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 11:45 SA time.

The match is the Reds’ first home game in six weeks and will recognise ANZAC Round, as well as marking Queensland’s 1 000th capped Rugby match, a significant milestone in the 136-year history of Queensland Rugby Union. 

Reds head coach Brad Thorn has made three personnel changes to his starting XV which lost to the Waratahs in Sydney last week, with prop Taniela Tupou and scrumhalf Ben Lucas returning from injury and flanker Angus Scott-Young promoted to the run-on team. 

Tupou’s return from a shoulder injury sees him resume his role as starting tighthead prop, ahead of Ruan Smith, who moves to the bench, with Sef Fa’agase dropping out of the match-day 23. 

Lucas has recovered from a concussion suffered against the Brumbies two weeks ago to take the place of James Tuttle, who has dropped out of the 23.

A knee injury to Lukhan Tui, has prompted the back-row reshuffle, with Scott-Young taking his place at blindside flanker, earning his first start since Round 6.

The Reds have also made a number of changes to the bench, highlighted by the return from injury of veteran flanker Smith, who has recovered from back surgery he had late last year to be named in the matchday 23 for the first time in 2018. The Wallaby legend takes the place of Adam Korczyk in the reserves. 

Lock Harry Hockings also returns to the matchday 23 for the first time since Round 6, taking the spot left vacant by Scott-Young’s promotion. 

The only other change to the bench sees scrumhalf Moses Sorovi brought in for the first time this season, with Tate McDermott dropping out. 

"Everyone is excited to be back at Suncorp Stadium. It’s been six weeks since we’ve had the opportunity to play at home, in front of our friends, family and fans. It’s great to be back," Thorn said.

"It’s a good occasion to return home to, with the opportunity to mark Queensland’s 1 000th capped match, while also recognising ANZAC Round and paying tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line for our country. " 

Teams:

Reds

15 Aidan Toua, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Izaia Perese, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Ben Lucas, 8 Caleb Timu, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 James Slipper (captain)

Substitutes: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Harry Hockings, 20 George Smith, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Hamish Stewart, 23 Jordan Petaia

Chiefs

15 Charlie Ngatai, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Johnny Fa'auli, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Sam Cane (captain), 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Tyler Ardron, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Liam Polwart, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe

Substitutes: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Luke Jacobson, 20 Liam Messam, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Alex Nankivell

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