Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has been relegated to the bench for Saturday’s derby clash, with twins JP and Ruan Smith to start in the front row against the Rebels.

Tupou’s shift is officially part of a rotation, with the Wallaby’s minutes needing to be managed ahead of the World Cup.

However, defensive coach Peter Ryan conceded the tighthead would have been disappointed with a few uncharacteristic errors in last week’s clash against the Brumbies that put the Reds under pressure early in the match.

The Smith twins were outstanding for the Reds in their first start of the season together against the Sunwolves in Tokyo a fortnight ago and Queensland coaching staff are banking on the pair combining well again on Saturday before injecting Tupou from the bench.

“The Smith boys get the opportunity to start this week after their good performance in Tokyo, with Taniela moving to the bench,” Thorn said.

“Our bench finishers have been a real strength for us when they’ve come in and have made an impact for us.”

 

Ryan, who was also involved with the Smith twins during his time at the Brumbies said the pair brought out the best in each other.

“They seem to step up when the other one is one the field at the same time because they have the ability to egg each other on a bit and that takes it to the next level,” Ryan said.

“It’s more of a rotation than an actual change, although Taniela would be open in saying that he didn’t play as well as he could have (against the Brumbies).

“A couple of defensive errors in the game, especially at the start of the game, put us under the pump a bit and he would be open in saying that but the changes were based more on rotation than actual changes.

“I think Taniela would openly admit that his first part of the season hasn’t been at his best form, but his contribution to our scrum, our lineout and our around the field play has been exceptional.

“Just a couple of mistakes here and there … have not been the best for the team.”

 

Feao Fotuaika, who started against the Brumbies last week, has been ruled out for at least a month after breaking his thumb in that clash and having surgery during the week to insert a plate.

The Reds have named the same backline though after weeks of shuffling to find their best combination.

“I think we were probably juggling that for the first part of the season but the team that went out last week did a really good job and deserve to start again this week,” Ryan said.

The Reds take on the Rebels at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, March 30, kicking off at 7:45pm AEDT (6:45pm local), LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.

TEAM

Reds to face Rebels

1. JP Smith – GPS

2. Alex Mafi – Bond University

3. Ruan Smith – GPS

4. Izack Rodda – Easts

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths

6. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland

7. Liam Wright – Easts

8. Scott Higginbotham – Wests

9. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland

10. Bryce Hegarty – GPS

11. Sefa Naivalu

12. Samu Kerevi (c) – Souths

13. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths

14. Filipo Daugunu – Wests

15. Hamish Stewart – Bond University

Reserves:

16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank

17. Harry Hoopert – Brothers

18. Taniela Tupou – Brothers

19. Harry Hockings – University of Queensland

20. Fraser McReight – Brothers

21. Moses Sorovi – Wests

22. Duncan Paia’aua – Norths

23. Isaac Lucas – Sunnybank

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