Horwill, Genia back for Reds

The Queensland Reds have named experienced duo James Horwill and Will Genia in their side to take on the Crusaders in Christchurch in their Super Rugby qualifier on Saturday.

Horwill and Genia missed the Reds’ match against the Waratahs last weekend due to injury, but have been named for the cut-throat post-season encounter against the New Zealand side.

Rod Davies (knee) and Mike Harris (hamstring) will not feature, while centre Anthony Fainga’a will travel with the squad as the 23rd man.

Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie is confident his side can win the clash and stay alive in the race for the title.

“There is always going to be some damage at this time of the year and while it’s disappointing to be without a few guys, we are getting the experience of James and Will back,” McKenzie said.

“Their influence can’t be understated and you need world-class players and strong leaders if you are going to win these games on the big stage.

“We have had to reshuffle our backline in some positions and the players coming in now have an opportunity to contribute in a positive way.

“They’ve all had plenty of experience this year in the roles we are asking of them and we’ve got every confidence in our entire 22-man squad to get the job done.”

The Reds have not beaten the Crusaders in Christchurch since 1999, although McKenzie’s side have been victorious in three of the past four encounters between the two teams.

One of those triumphs was the famous 18-13 victory in the 2011 final and McKenzie believes the Reds will be primed to replicate that result on Saturday.

“We take pride in the hoodoos we’ve broken over the years and this is just another milestone we can target,” McKenzie said.

“History tells us they have a strong record at home where they seemingly always find a way to prevail, but we pushed them in Christchurch in our last match and many teams have continued to do so and come close since.

“It’s a challenge we look forward to and the Crusaders are always a match we enjoy playing.

“They are a team we are quite familiar with and you always want to be challenging yourself against the best sides.

“Traditionally, this Reds group has also stepped up and performed well in the big games, and that gives us confidence in tackling the opportunity we have in front of us on Saturday night.”

Reds team:
1. Greg Holmes
2. Saia Faingaa
3. James Slipper
4. Rob Simmons
5. James Horwill (c)
6. Eddie Quirk
7. Liam Gill
8. Jake Schatz
9. Will Genia (vc)
10. Quade Cooper
11. Chris Feauai-Sautia
12. Jono Lance
13. Ben Tapuai
14. Dom Shipperley
15. Ben Lucas

Reserves:
16. Albert Anae
17. Jono Owen
18. Ed O’Donoghue
19. Radike Samo
20. Beau Robinson
21. Nick Frisby
22. Luke Morahan

Article source: http://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/sport/10547909.Basingstoke_teenager_dreams_of_playing_rugby_for_Wales/

Horwill, Genia back for Reds