Under-fire Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham believes a backline shake-up ahead of Friday night's must-win clash with the Melbourne Rebels could finally unlock his side's attacking potential.
Rookie flyhalf Jake McIntyre has been named to make his Super Rugby debut while Karmichael Hunt returns from injury to form a tantalising centres combination with Samu Kerevi, one of Queensland's best performers throughout a season of turmoil.
McIntyre, 21, won the inaugural National Rugby Championship title last year with Brisbane City and played alongside Kerevi throughout the entirety of that campaign.
The northern NSW product is the first genuine five-eighth to play for the Reds since Quade Cooper's brief return from injury.
"It's been a challenging position, that No.10 jersey all year," Graham said.
"(McIntyre) understands controlling the team ... he shifts the ball very well through his handling and I also think his general play kicking is very good.
"But it's not up to him to shine and excel, it's up to the forward pack to give him a really good platform so he can play on the front foot, and it's up to Will (Genia) to take a little bit of pressure off him."
It is the first team Graham has put forward since the arrival of John Connolly, admitting the club's new coaching consultant "challenged" the selection panel on a number of positions.
"None of those discussions were too dissimilar to where we've been and where we are," he said.
"It was interesting just to hear his thoughts and his comments around the selection table."
McIntyre, who replaces makeshift flyhalf Nick Frisby (concussion) said he was looking forward to renewing his on-field partnership with Kerevi.
"He's a big ball-runner, it's pretty easy - when he wants the ball you give it to him," he said.
"We've got a lot of confidence in each other, we know each other's game pretty well so it's going to be comforting having him at 12."
Kerevi moves to inside centre to cover for the loss of Anthony Fainga'a (concussion) while Hunt is set to make his first appearance in the No.13 jersey after a three-week battle from an adductor injury and a bad bout of gastro.
It has long been Graham's plan to move Hunt into the midfield but only after a good, consistent spell at fullback - instead, it will come in just his fifth Queensland appearance.
"Things haven't worked out for us, just through continuity of his own performances in the team," Graham said.
"I think we're in a point at the season now where we've got to take some risks."
The Reds have also moved Lachie Turner to the wing and James O'Connor to fullback, in an effort to help the latter player become more involved in the game.
Frisby may yet be named on the bench but if he is not cleared to play, Scott Gale will be his replacement.
Queensland has won seven out of their nine Super Rugby meetings with the Rebels but the Melbourne outfit is humming line never before in its history, following consecutive wins over the Chiefs and the Blues.
Reds: James O'Connor, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Karmichael Hunt, Samu Kerevi, Lachie Turner, Jake McIntyre, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Adam Thomson, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, James Hanson, James Slipper (c). Res: Andrew Ready, Pettowa Paraka, Sam Talakai, Ed O'Donoghue, Lolo Fakaosilea, Nick Frisby/Scott Gale, Sam Greene, Ben Tapuai.
Share
