Fraser McReight returns to lead the Queensland Reds as captain for Saturday afternoon's clash against the top-placed Hurricanes in Wellington.
The Wallabies flanker is back from a regeneration week after playing every minute of the Reds' opening four games in Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific.
McReight will take his regular place in the No.7 jersey for a Reds team which has built momentum from four consecutive wins.
He comes in for John Bryant, who impressively led the way with his defensive workrate (19 tackles) in last weekend's 21-6 over the Fijian Drua in Lautoka.
Flyhalf Tom Lynagh has been selected for his first match of the season and will enter the game from the bench. Lynagh has been diligently progressing through a strengthening program.
Carter Gordon is unavailable this week with a minor lower leg issue.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will again wear the starting No.10 jersey after the most complete game of his 30-match Reds career in last weekend's excellent 21-6 win over the Fijian Drua in Lautoka.
Louis Werchon will start at halfback with Kalani Thomas' skills utilised from the bench this weekend.
"This presents the toughest game in the competition to date - playing the Hurricanes at the 'Cake Tin' in Wellington," Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.
"The Hurricanes' form has been imperious with their blend of forward power and backline skills run by their halves Cam Roigard and Ruben Love.
"We've built confidence over our last four matches, for sure. It has shown the results of playing our game and building on what we do well."
Saturday, March 28
Hnry Stadium, Wellington
1:35pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
1 Aidan Ross - Bond University - Otumoetai College, NZ - Te Puke Sports
2 Josh Nasser - University of Queensland - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace - Easts
3 Nick Bloomfield - Easts - Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts
4 Seru Uru - Easts - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - Souths - John Edmondson HS, Sydney - Southern Districts, Sydney
6 Joe Brial - University of Queensland - Scots College - Easts, Sydney
7 Fraser McReight (c) - Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
8 Harry Wilson - Brothers - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace - Gunnedah Red Devils
9 Louis Werchon - Wests - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Maroochydore Swans
10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - Wests - Brisbane Boys’ College - Gunnedah Red Devils
11 Tim Ryan - Brothers - St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12 Hunter Paisami - Wests - Mangere College, Auckland - Manukau Rovers
13 Isaac Henry - Wests - Brisbane Boys' College - Kenmore Bears
14 Filipo Daugunu - Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji
15 Jock Campbell - University of Queensland - The Southport School - Inverell Highlanders
16 Richie Asiata - Sunnybank - Anglican Church Grammar School
17 George Blake - Bond University - The Southport School - Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
19 Hamish Muller - Brothers - Toowoomba Grammar - USQ Saints
20 Vaiuta Latu - Brothers - St Peters Lutheran College - Pine Rivers Pumas
21 Kalani Thomas - Souths - Ipswich Grammar - Souths
22 Tom Lynagh - University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club, UK
23 Treyvon Pritchard - Brothers - Anglican Church Grammar School - Springfield Hawks
