Captain Samu Kerevi's influence at inside centre has been acknowledged by the Queensland Reds, who have instigated a backline shuffle to get him back there.
Rookie winger Jack Hardy is the main beneficiary, with the 20-year-old to make his Super Rugby starting debut against the Stormers in Brisbane on Friday.
There are also two changes to the pack eclipsed during last week's 32-13 loss to the Melbourne Rebels, with lock Harry Hockings and hooker Brandon Amosa-Paenga introduced.
Outside centre Chris Feauai-Sautia (hamstring) and flanker Angus Scott-Young (concussion) weren't considered although attack coach Jim McKay said the pair were close.
Both are likely to travel to South Africa next week ahead of games against the Bulls and Sharks so were given this week off as a precaution.
There was no hesitation in restoring Kerevi to the No.12 jersey in place of Duncan Paia'aua, with winger Sefa Naivalu also moving in one spot to outside centre.
Game-breaker Kerevi has been arguably the Reds best this season with his incisive running and distribution, and was notably less involved when stationed at outside centre against the Rebels, plugging the gap left by Feauai-Sautia.
McKay had no problem shifting Naivalu to the midfield, where he has clocked up some minutes for the Wallabies and represented Melbourne at NRC level.
"This year, we've seemed to play our best rugby when we've had two more strong, direct carriers (in the midfield)," he said.
"But Samu can provide us that ability to go wide as well. We believe he's played his best rugby for us this season at 12.
"Then you've got Sefa on his outside shoulder, we're excited about that opportunity as well."
Hardy, who has made two bench cameos, will start at left wing.
The versatile Lukhan Salakaia-Loto shifts from lock to blindside flank, making room for Hockings to pack down alongside Izack Rodda in the second row.
Former bench man Amosa-Paenga undergoes a straight swap with Alex Mafi as starting hooker.
The Reds' fourth loss last week leaves them sharing last place with the Jaguares and Sunwolves.
QUEENSLAND REDS
Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daungunu, Sefa Naivalu, Samu Kerevi (capt), Jack Hardy, Bryce Hegarty, Tate McDermott, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Wright, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Hockings, Izack Rodda, Ruan Smith, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, JP Smith. Res: Alex Mafi, Harry Hoopert, Taniela Tupou, Angus Blyth, Fraser McReight, Moses Sorovi, Duncan Paia'aua, Isaac Lucas.
