Simmons back for Stormers clash

Thu, Apr 21, 2016, 5:00 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman

Reds vice-captain Rob Simmons will return to the side’s starting line-up for their clash with the Stormers.


Simmons missed just a week after straining his AC joint against the Highlanders in Brisbane, travelling with the group to South Africa last week.


The veteran will team up with Ben Matwijow in the starting locks for the first time, with Cadeyrn Neville moving to the bench.


Curtis Browning will come into the starting side at number eight, replacing the injured Jake Schatz.


Neville will be joined by Duncan Paia’aua and Michael Gunn as the new faces on the bench.


Simmons said he was relieved to be making his return so soon after the injury, after initially fearing the worst.


“It was looking pretty grim when it first happened, I was in a lot of pain,” he said.


“Thanks to some great work from our medical team as well, we’re back on board.”


The Wallabies lock said it was difficult to watch on from the sidelines.


“I wasn’t comfortable with it,” he said.


“I don't really enjoy not being out there on the field, feel pretty helpless.


"I tried to contribute where I could through the week and I was out there running messages for the coach with the water boy but it was a tough one to watch, that’s for sure.”


1. James Slipper (C)

2. Andrew Ready

3. Greg Holmes

4. Ben Matwijow

5. Rob Simmons

6. Hendrik Tui

7. Liam Gill

8. Curtis Browning

9. Nick Frisby

10. Jake McIntyre

11. Eto Nabuli

12. Anthony Fainga'a

13. Samu Kerevi

14. Chris Feauai-Sautia

15. Karmichael Hunt

Reserves

16. Saia Fainga'a

17. Sef Fa'agase

18. Sam Talakai

19. Cadeyrn Neville

20. Michael Gunn

21. James Tuttle

22. Duncan Paia’aua

23. Ayumu Goromaru

 


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