Queensland will tackle the toughest test in Super Rugby with a new halves combination after Isaac Lucas and Scott Malolua were named for the Reds' clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
But assistant coach Peter Ryan says shuffling Lucas into no.10 for just his second start of the season there is "no big deal" and has backed the young gun to rise to the occasion.
James O'Connor has failed to recover from an ankle injury picked up in the clash against the Sharks in Brisbane on Saturday, handing Lucas his second start of the season at flyhalf.
And Malolua has been named to start beside him at scrumhalf, with Tate McDermott named on the bench in one of three changes to the starting side.
O'Connor limped from the field early in the second half against the Sharks, immediately icing his right ankle on the bench.
Coach Brad Thorn described the injury as a sprain following the game and it was hoped the Wallabies back would be able to recover in time for the Crusaders clash but he was a late withdrawal from the side named this morning.
Assistant coach Peter Ryan backed Lucas to take his game up a notch against the defending premiers.
"James has got a bit of an ankle issue, it's no big deal for us for Isaac to slip in there," Ryan said.
"He has been training in the same position since the pre-season, so he'll handle it with aplomb.
"We've picked a really solid team attacking-wise and defensively, it's a shame we don't have James O'Connor in the starting side to a point but Isaac Lucas I think will take it to a different level."
The resting of McDermott is a bold decision given the combination he has built over several years with close mate Lucas.
But the Reds are keen not to burn the rising star out, with a block of four consecutive conference games on the horizon following the team's bye later this month.
"It's a good opportunity for Scott Malolua to get a start," Ryan said.
"Tatey's been starting every game there this year, more so just a rotational thing for our halves, get some game time for Scotty under his belt and obviously give tate a bit of a break from the longer minutes - but more so, looking to give Scotty longer minutes."
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto also returns to the starting side at lock after coming off the bench last week, with Izack Rodda rested.
"Izack Rodda has got a bit of a niggly calf injury," Ryan said.
"It's good for him to have a week off in the standard rotation of our second-rowers, so (Angus) Blyth comes back into the squad and Lukhan goes to the starting side with Harry Hockings and a formidable pairing they are."
The reshuffle makes the Reds massive underdogs for the clash and puts them under further pressure following a 1-4 start to the season.
Given their position, Ryan said every game was crucial for the Reds but warned the Crusaders would underestimate them at their peril.
"Every game's a crunch game for us from this point forward. Having played five games and only won one, every game's crucial," he said.
"We're excited about going over to Christchurch to play the Crusaders. They're thinking it's another notch in their belt in terms of a win for them and if they go ahead and think that, I'd like to go over there and get a win."
In other changes to the bench, Dane Zander comes in for loosehead prop Harry Hoopert, Blyth returns to the 23 for Rodda, while O'Connor's omission brings Bryce Hegarty back into the side.
"Hoops was probably a bit underdone in the last couple of weeks coming back into the squad and that's always going to be the case having not played many games so far," he said of Hoopert, who has battled neck and back problems.
"Dane Zander has been a good inclusion in our group. A young guy, very exciting player and from my point of view he's an excellent defender and he's rock solid around the field in his 'D' and when it comes to the crunch, 'D' wins games and that's why he's in the squad."
"Bryce gets his opportunity to show his wares on Friday evening and we're looking forward to him getting on field."
The Reds take on the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday, March 6, kicking off at 5:05pm AEDT and broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports, Kayo and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
Reds to face Crusaders
1. JP Smith – GPS
2. Alex Mafi – Bond University
3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers
4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths
5. Harry Hockings – University of Queensland
6. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
7. Liam Wright (c) – Easts
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers
9. Scott Malolua – GPS
10. Isaac Lucas – Sunnybank
11. Henry Speight – Bond University
12. Hamish Stewart – Brothers
13. Hunter Paisami – Wests
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland
Replacements
16. Ed Craig – TBC
17. Dane Zander – Norths
18. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland
19. Angus Blyth – Bond University
20. Fraser McReight – Brothers
21. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland
22. Bryce Hegarty – GPS
23. Filipo Daugunu – Wests
