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Brisbane - The Reds have announced their team to face the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 10:45 SA time).
Coach Brad Thorn has made one personnel change and three positional shifts in the backline, with Samu Kerevi shifting from outside to inside centre, Chris Feauai-Sautia moving from the wing to outside centre and Filipo Daugunu earning his run-on debut on the wing.
The forward pack remains unchanged from last week’s 18-10 home win over the Brumbies.
The match will be Feauai-Sautia’s 50th Queensland and Super Rugby cap, after making his debut back in 2012.
The 25-year-old has been back to his damaging best since returning from injury ahead of last year’s National Rugby Championship, spearheading the Bond University Queensland Country’s attack on the way to their first title.
“This weekend’s match marks a great milestone for Chris Feauai-Sautia,” Thorn told the Reds’ official website.
“Fifty games for a team is an achievement any way you look at it, but he has had to overcome plenty of injuries to reach this point and everyone at the Reds is really proud of him. I’m sure it will be a rewarding moment for him and his family.
“We’ve gone with an unchanged forward pack for this weekend’s match. They put in a big shift against the Brumbies and really set the tone for that win and they’ll need to put in another big performance against the Bulls.
“We’ve made a few changes in the backline, bringing Chris into the centres and Filipo onto the wing.
“Chris has been in great form and offers a lot in the centres. He played there throughout the NRC and provided plenty of go forward for the team.
“It’s also a good opportunity for Filipo to get his first start. He has been exciting when he’s come on from the bench, so it’s good to see him get a crack at the starting jersey.
“The Bulls will be a tough challenge but the team is looking forward to running out in front of their home fans again this weekend. Hopefully the team can go out and make everyone proud.”
Teams:
Reds
15 Aidan Toua, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Jono Lance, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Caleb Timu, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Adam Korczyk, 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 Sef Fa'agase, 19 Harry Hockings, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Hamish Stewart, 23 Duncan Paia'aua
Bulls
TBA
