Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn continues to surprise, thrusting a new young halves combination into Saturday's high-pressure Super Rugby showdown with the NSW Waratahs.
Electric halfback Moses Sorovi, 22, will make his starting debut alongside 20-year-old five eighth Hamish Stewart in the Suncorp Stadium match, when the Reds attempt to turn around a 37-16 thumping in their last meeting with the Australian conference leaders.
Sorovi displaces the benched Ben Lucas, who has paid the price for an errant kicking game against the Highlanders in last round's 18-15 loss.
After playing out of position at fullback for the past two games, Stewart is back wearing the No.10 in a direct switch with veteran Jono Lance.
Happy to back his youth all season, Thorn had no qualms about fielding such a raw halves combination for the derby.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Sorovi is an exciting young prospect and we felt he deserved the chance to show what he can do from the kick off," he said.
"We also felt it was the right time to give Hamish another opportunity in the starting flyhalf jersey."
Fresh off selection in his first Wallabies squad, Reds hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa said the young team would thrive on the confidence shown in them by their coach.
"I think it's great; Thorny's given a lot of young players the opportunity to step up and I think they're going to bring it, it's going to be awesome," the 22-year-old said.
"I can't wait 'til Saturday night; it's going to be a great game, just with the history and all that behind it."
Despite being named in Michael Cheika's Wallabies squad on Wednesday, Caleb Timu was named on the bench with Reds captain Scott Higginbotham filling the starting No.8 spot.
And 21-year-old forward Lukhan Tui has not been named for a Super Rugby return, despite his surprise call-up to Cheika's squad.
The emerging lock has barely played at Super Rugby level this season thanks to injury and suspension, but was brutal for club side Souths last weekend.
Veteran lock Kane Douglas has regained his starting spot ahead of youngster Harry Hockings while fullback Aidan Toua has been dropped from the squad in favour of utility back Jayden Ngamanu.
The Reds (4-8) are long odds to feature in the Super Rugby finals, while the Waratahs (6-1-5) hold a one-point lead over the Melbourne Rebels in the Australian conference.
