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James O'Connor ruled out of Crusaders clash as Reds make three changes to starting side
By Online Editors
Wallabies star James O'Connor has been ruled out of the Queensland Reds side to face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
The 29-year-old utility back was forced from the field with an ankle injury during the Reds' 33-23 defeat to the Sharks in Brisbane last week.
That injury has prevented O'Connor from making his sixth consecutive start for Queensland this season, paving the way for promising youngster Isaac Lucas to take the reins at No. 10 at Orangetheory Stadium.
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Lucas' promotion to the starting side is one of three alterations head coach Brad Thorn has made to his team as they look to pick up their second win of the campaign.
In-form halfback Tate McDermott has been demoted to the bench in place of one-test Samoan international Scott Malolua, who will partner with Lucas in a new-look halves combination.
" Thorn, a two-time Super Rugby-winning former Crusader himself, said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The Crusaders are a tough opposition – especially at home. We respect what they’ve done over the years. There’s no better test than playing the best. We’re up for the contest on Friday night.”
Queensland Reds side to face the Crusaders
1 - JP Smith
2 - Alex Mafi
3 - Taniela Tupou
4 - Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
5 - Harry Hockings
6 - Angus Scott-Young
7 - Liam Wright (c)
8 - Harry Wilson
9 - Scott Malolua
10 - Isaac Lucas
11 - Henry Speight
12 - Hamish Stewart
13 - Hunter Paisami
14 - Chris Feauai-Sautia
15 - Jock Campbell
Reserves
16 - Ed Craig
17 - Dane Zander
18 - Josh Nasser
19 - Angus Blyth
20 - Fraser McReight
21 - Tate McDermott
22 - Bryce Hegarty
23 - Filipo Daugunu
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Go to commentsGreat to see Aki Tuivailala at the Crusaders. Played well for Waikato and NZ Under 20's. Hamilton Boys High has become a great feeder for the Crusaders . Plenty of great local talent coming through, such outstanding young lock Liam Jack. Nephew of All Black Chris Jack. His Dad Graham was in the NPC winning Canterbury team of 1997 . Locked the scrum with Reuben Thorne. Two of his team mates Dads were in that team too, Todd Blackadder, ( captain) , son is Ethan and Angus Gardiner son is Dominic.
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