Queensland's hopes of springing an upset win over the Chiefs have suffered a major blow, with Karmichael Hunt ruled out of Saturday's Super Rugby match with a knee injury.
The Reds will travel to New Plymouth without their in-form fullback, who has failed to recover sufficiently from a heavy knock sustained in last Saturday night's 29-26 home loss to the NSW Waratahs.
In a backline shuffle, coach Nick Stiles has moved Duncan Paia'aua to fullback, captain Samu Kerevi to inside centre and promoted Campbell Magnay to start at outside centre.
"It's obviously quite disappointing to lose Karmichael for this match as he has been one of our most consistent players," Stiles said.
"Thankfully it's not a major injury concern, but it was enough to rule him out of this weekend."
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Offsetting the loss of the Wallabies hopeful is the chance to recall 20-year-old Magnay.
"Campbell has worked hard to get back from injury. It's been a tough slog for him, but he's come out the other side and is raring to go," Stiles said.
"One of our big focuses this season has been on trying to develop the next crop of players.
"We've got a lot of promising young players in the squad at the moment and they're learning through experience how tough Super Rugby is and what it takes to be successful in this competition.
"No doubt we'll be better for those experiences."
Queensland Reds: Duncan Paia'aua, Izaia Perese, Campbell Magnay, Samu Kerevi (capt), Eto Nabuli, Quade Cooper, James Tuttle, Scott Higginbotham, George Smith, Hendrik Tui, Lukhan Tui, Rob Simmons, Sam Talakai, Stephen Moore, Sef Fa'agase. Reserves: Alex Mafi, Kirwan Sanday, Taniela Tupou, Izack Rodda, Leroy Houston, Nick Frisby, Hamish Stewart, Chris Kuridrani.
