Rugby
Three James' return for the Reds─── 16:30 Thu, 16 Apr 2015
The Reds have made four changes to their starting line-up to run out against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
The most notable changes to the side that lost 43-22 to the Bulls last week is the inclusion of lock James Horwill and winger James O’Connor.
The Wallabies lock and winger return from suspension and injury respectively.
Another James…James Hanson in his turn will start at hooker, with Sa’a Faiinga ruled out through injury.
Chris Feauai-Sautia will start at centre, while Faiinga’s brother, Anthony moves to the bench.
Coach Richard Graham wants his boys to keep the game as tight and structured as possible.
“The Cheetahs enjoy the game becoming loose and with the likes of Sarel Pretorius, Cornal Hendricks and Raymond Rhule they are able to capitalise very quickly. Add Heinrich Brüssow to that mix and they become a very capable side,” Graham said.
Scrumhalf Will Genia says it’s good to have Horwill back in the team after the former captain served a one-match suspension for a red card.
“It’s great to have James (Horwill) come back into the fod, obviously he was very disappointed that to stay behind with a red card,” said the Genia.
The player is also of the view that Horwills’ presence in the side is a definite boost for the side.
“His presence, obviously he captained the club, he was there when we won the competition in 2011 as the leader of the side, so just that presence and knowledge and the experience he will bring come game time will definitely benefit the group,” Genia added.
The only change to the Cheetahs team sees Coenie van Wyk replacing Springbok Willie le Roux, who is being rested.
Saturday evenings match at the Free State Stadium kicks off at 19:10.
Toyota Cheetahs - 15 Coenie van Wyk, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Raymond Rhule, 11 Joe Pietersen, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Willie Britz, 7 Boom Prinsloo, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Francois Uys (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 BG Uys.
Replacements - 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 Danie Minnie, 18 Maks van Dyk, 19 Steven Sykes, 20 Tienie Burger, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Willie du Plessis, 23 Rayno Benjamin.
Reds - 15 Karmichael Hunt, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 James O’Connor, 10 Nick Frisby, 9 Will Genia, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Curtis Browning, 5 James Horwill, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 James Hanson, 1 James Slipper (Captain).
Replacements – 16 Andrew Ready, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Marco Kotze, 20 Adam Korczyk, 21 Anthony Fainga’a, 22 Campbell Magnay, 23 Chris Kuridrani.
Morgan Piek / OFM News
Will Genia says it's great to have Horwill back who led them to the 2011 title:
