Unchanged team for Reds

REDS COACH Ewen McKenzie is sticking to what he knows when it comes to the Super Rugby final against the Crusaders this Saturday.

He has named the same line-up that beat the Blues 30-13 in the semifinals last weekend for the competition decider at Suncorp Stadium.

It’s the first time the Queenslanders have stuck with the same team for consecutive weeks and the second time he has named the same starting XV for consecutive matches.

“At this stage you benefit greatly from continuity and the team we selected against the Blues did a wonderful job and deserve another opportunity tonight,” says McKenzie.

“We’ve benefited from a whole squad effort in 2011 but feel we have the right mix of experience and talent to be successful on Saturday night.”

In their first encounter of the season, the Reds overcame the Crusaders in a hard-fought 17-16 contest.

McKenzie, who lost two finals against the Crusaders during his time as coach of the Waratahs, is expecting another tight affair this weekend.

“Playing in a final is something you treasure and never take for granted, and I know the team is excited by the opportunity in front of them.

“We’ve accomplished a lot both on and off the field in the past 18 months and a Super Rugby final victory would be an incredible way to cap off this season for Queensland Rugby and our fans.”

Reds
1 Ben Daley
2 Saia Faingaa
3 Greg Holmes
4 Rob Simmons
5 James Horwill (c)
6 Scott Higginbotham
7 Beau Robinson
8 Radike Samo
9 Will Genia
10 Quade Cooper
11 Digby Ioane
12 Ben Tapuai
13 Anthony Faingaa
14 Rod Davies
15 Jono Lance
Reserves
16 James Hanson
17 Guy Shepherdson
18 Adam Wallace-Harrison
19 Jake Schatz
20 Liam Gill
21 Ian Prior
22 Will Chambers