Paia'aua out, Daugunu in for Reds

Reds coach Brad Thorn has relegated Duncan Paia’aua to the pine, reshuffling his backline for the clash with the Bulls.

Paia’aua is the victim of a shift to play Chris Feauai-Sautia at outside centre, with Samu Kerevi pushed to inside centre.

Filipo Daugunu comes in on the right wing for his first Super Rugby start, leaving Paia’aua without a spot in the starting XV.

The forward pack remains unchanged, which was to be expected, the only injury query being James Slipper, who has overcome back spasms suffered in last week’s win over the Brumbies to start.Feauai-Sautia will earn his 50th Super Rugby cap when he runs out onto Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, a significant milestone for a player crippled by injuries through the first seven years of his career.

“This weekend’s match marks a great milestone for Chris Feauai-Sautia,” Thorn said.

“Fifty games for a team is an achievement any way you look at it, but he has had to overcome plenty of injuries to reach this point and everyone at the Reds is really proud of him.

“I’m sure it will be a rewarding moment for him and his family.”

Thorn was complimentary of his pack’s performance against the Brumbies, seeing no reason to make change in that department.“We’ve gone with an unchanged forward pack for this weekend’s match.

“They put in a big shift against the Brumbies and really set the tone for that win and they’ll need to put in another big performance against the Bulls.

“We’ve made a few changes in the backline, bringing Chris (Feauai-Sautia) into the centres and Filipo (Daugunu) onto the wing.

“Chris has been in great form and offers a lot in the centres. He played there throughout the NRC and provided plenty of go forward for the team.

“It’s also a good opportunity for Filipo to get his first start. He has been exciting when he’s come on from the bench, so it’s good to see him get a crack at the starting jersey.”

The Reds host the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEDT, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au radio.

TEAM

Reds team to face the Bulls

1. James Slipper (C) – Bond University

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank

3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers

4. Izack Rodda – Easts

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5. Kane Douglas – Norths

6. Adam Korczyk – University of Queensland

7. Liam Wright – Easts

8. Caleb Timu – Souths

9. James Tuttle – GPS

10. Jono Lance – University of Queensland

11. Eto Nabuli – GPS

12. Samu Kerevi – Souths

13. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths (50th Queensland/Super Rugby cap)

14. Filipo Daugunu – Wests (run-on debut)

15. Aidan Toua – Easts

Reserves

16. Alex Mafi – Bond University

17. JP Smith – GPS

18. Sef Fa’agase – University of Queensland

19. Harry Hockings – University of Queensland

20. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland

21. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland

22. Hamish Stewart – Bond University

23. Duncan Paia’aua – Norths