Queensland Reds standout Dre Pakeho will get his chance at flyhalf in Sunday's Super Rugby Next Gen clash against the NSW Waratahs.
Pakeho, who starred for the Reds at centre during last year's Super Rugby Pacific season, moves into the primary playmaking position with Finn Mackay called into for Friday's SRP opener against the 'Tahs.
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Further changes to the side that defeated the ACT Brumbies last week see hooker John Grenfell start, with Teina Graham named at blindside flanker.
Nic Lynagh continues his progression, with the younger brother of Test stars Tom and Louis named to start on the wing.
"There's always a keen rivalry with NSW at any level. We know they'll come in hot. So will we," lock Will Ross said.
"We showed we have strengths in the pack and the backs last weekend against the ACT Brumbies and that gives us confidence in what we want to put out on the field."
For the Waratahs, hooker Tyler Maybery, scrum-half Sam Blank and right wing Tom O’Hara all come into the team following their 97-5 thumping of the Western Force in Round One.
Former Australia U20s scrumhalf Hwi Sharples comes on the bench, their only player over the age of 20.
“We’re well aware that the Reds will offer a serious challenge to our team,” Head of Waratahs Pathways Andrew Cleverley said.
“We have prepared really well and are looking forward to facing this challenge head on.”
In the earlier game, the Force have also bolstered their squad from players outside of the Next Gen squad to face the Brumbies on Saturday, with six-cap prop Josh Smith added to the front row.
Academy product Justin Landman has also been named to start at fly-half after featuring throughout Super Rugby AUS.
As for the Brumbies, former Australia U18s flanker Jarvis Orr has been elevated to start, making a home in the nation's capital after moving from the Waratahs.
Former Australia U20s centre Malakye Enasio headlines the changes in the backline, partnering Dylan Bretton.
“Last week was a missed opportunity and a stinging result, particularly at home, we aren't hiding from that. The beauty of this competition is the chance to respond immediately. We’ve shuffled the deck to put our best players in the right positions to get the result,” Head of Elite Pathways and Player Development Dan Hawke said.
FORCE (1-15): Max Sawers, Luke Megson, Josh Smith, William Crew, Max Johnson, Daniel Grant, Luke Holt-Brown (c), Nate Gallagher, Luke Aitken, Justin Landman, Johan Becroft, Evan Hooper, Fatani Fatanitavake, Ryan McGloin, Tama Anderson
Replacements: Ollie Barrett, Zavier Hawira, Brad Kuhn, Ollie McGinnity, Jackson Bridges, Angus Cornish, Jackson Ropata, Tom Lambo
BRUMBIES (1-15): Nate Hepi, Ewald Kruger, Lochlan Smith, Billy Hansen, Jack Gordon, Eli Langi, Jarvis Orr, Cooper Eagle (c), Sam Watson, Chace Oates, Jacob Johnson, Dylan Bretton, Malakye Enasio, Blake Miller, Harvey McLean
Replacements: Lipina Ata, Finn Baxter, Keegan Daly, Tevita Loughland, Blake Bretton, Chayse Geros, Tomas Jensen, Angus Tagicakibau
REDS (1-15): Kingsley Uys, John Grenfell, Levi Slater, Will Ross, Kenneth Harris, Teina Graham, Ilan Cloete, Angus Kelly, Alfie Bowman, Dre Pakeho, Taione Taka, Treyvon Pritchard, Frankie Goldsborough, Nic Lynagh, Tom Howard
Replacements: Charlie Holyman, Jacob Job, Trevor King, Will Pascoe, Charlie Brosnan, Cooper Stewart, Josh Takai, Ryan Heaton
WARATAHS (1-15): Nick Hill, Tyler Maybery, Edwin Langi, Aron Brennan, Isaac Fonua, Luca Cleverley, Marshall Le Maitre (c), Toby Brial, Sam Blank, Harrison Dene, Tom Farr-Jones, Zach Fittler, Leo Jaques, Tom O'Hara, Louis Fenwicke
Replacements: Dylan Simmons, Harper Strachan, Lewis Wilson, Cooper Green, Ed Baxter, Sam Blank, James Archer, Brody Folkes
