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Brad Thorn has made three changes to his starting for Saturday afternoon’s clash in Hamilton against the Chiefs. Join The Roar for live scores and blog from 2.30pm AEST.
Tom Lynagh, 20, returns at fly-half, with James O’Connor shifting to inside centre after Hunter Paisami’s withdrawal. O’Connor will partner Filpo Daugunu, who started at outside centre in the Reds’ big upset win over the Chiefs last month, in the midfield.
The tweaked midfield pairing has seen Josh Flook shift to the left-wing.
“We come into the quarter-final with a great challenge in front us. Finals footy is a step up in intensity, physicality and pressure,” Thorn said.
“The Chiefs finished as minor premiers and are deserved favourites in Hamilton this Saturday.
“They’ve got threats across the park and we will need to be at our best to challenge them this weekend.”
Tom Lynagh will wear the No.10 jersey against the Chiefs. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
As expected, the Chiefs have made sweeping changes after resting the bulk of their squad for their last round of the regular season against the Chiefs.
All Blacks stars Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Brad Weber and Damian McKenzie have all returned.
