Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham believes the return of Ben Tapuai against the Waratahs will cover for the stinging loss of fellow centre Samu Kerevi.
Tapuai will make his first Super Rugby appearance for the season on Saturday, coming straight into the starting line-up in place of Kerevi, who has been unable to fully overcome a corked thigh.
Graham said earlier in the week that Kerevi would be available for selection, but scans on Wednesday revealed Kerevi has a "little nick" in his thigh which he sustained during last week's loss to the Highlanders.
"Given that he hasn't trained and we don't think he'll get to the game fully fit, we thought it best to withdraw him," Graham said.
The availability of former Test centre Tapuai helps soothe the pain, although there will be concerns over whether he is truly ready to be thrown into such an important match after an injury-interrupted pre-season.
"He hasn't played for a little while, his level of match conditioning probably isn't where you want it," Graham said.
"There's been a lot of physical stuff he's been able to do and we'd expect he'll get through a lot of the game."
The Reds will boast an experienced, defence-minded centre pairing with Tapuai named outside of Anthony Fainga'a - both capable of taming a star-studded Waratahs backline.
Graham believes Tapuai's passing game and handy left foot will help compensate for losing Kerevi's pace and attacking prowess.
Queensland's set piece will also receive a boost with the return of James Horwill from a gruesome hand injury he suffered against the Western Force.
"I love playing NSW," said Horwill, who comes into the starting side for Marco Kotze.
"They're probably sometimes not the most prettiest games, but they're a game we all enjoy playing."
Queensland Reds: Lachie Turner, Chris Kuridrani, Ben Tapuai, Anthony Fainga'a, Chris Feauai-Sautia, James O'Connor, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Adam Thomson, James Horwill, Dave McDuling, Sam Talakai, Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper (capt). Res: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Marco Kotze, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Sam Johnson, Campbell Magnay.
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