The St.George Queensland Reds have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s Vodafone Super Rugby AU Grand Final against the Brumbies in Canberra.
After being cleared of concussion, Jordan Petaia will shift to the right wing with Chris Feauai-Sautia ruled-out with a groin injury.
It sees Hunter Paisami start in the number 13 jersey and re-join his centre-pairing partner Hamish Stewart.
In the forwards, JP Smith will start at loosehead prop as Harry Hoopert drops to the bench as a finisher this weekend.
There are a further two changes to the reserves with Ruan Smith back in the 23 as Queensland’s replacement tighthead prop, while utility back Jack Hardy comes into the team following the elevation of Paisami into the XV.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “Grand Final week – this is what it’s all about.
“We’re embracing the challenge ahead against a worthy opponent, whom we respect.
“Our journey to get here started back in November with our Reds to Regions trip across Queensland. We travelled around the world. We worked hard in two pre-seasons. We’ve battled through a global pandemic. Many of our guys in this group have come through our pathway and club rugby – they’ve thrived and have grown as men during this year.
“We’ve reconnected with our state. They believe in us and we want to make them proud this weekend, plus achieve something together as a group,” said Thorn.
Queensland play the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night at 7:20pm AEST and will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo.
