Harris to play first five

MIKE HARRIS will play first five in the absence of the injured Quade Cooper when the Reds open their Super Rugby campaign against the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday night.

Coach Ewen McKenzie confirmed that the New Zealand-born player has secured the role ahead of Ben Lucas after impressing in the pre-season.

''It's a great opportunity, but I've just been asked to go out there and play my own game to give the team the best chance to win,” says Harris.

Harris made a huge impression in his debut season last year after joining the franchise in late 2010 from North Harbour.

McKenzie says Harris has earned the right to run the cutter.

“There has been a focus from the outside world on who will replace Quade, but the reality is we have been more interested in finding the best player to articulate and deliver the game we want to play in 2012."

Cooper will miss the first six rounds of the competition as he recovers from a knee injury he sustained at last year’s Rugby World Cup.