UPDATE: Assistant coach Peter Ryan has given a brutal assessment of the Reds’ insipid defensive effort against the Bulls, saying if they turn in a repeat performance in Durban on Friday, they are in for a mauling from the Sharks.

The Reds lost 32-17 to the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday, in an effort Ryan said left the team “disgusted” in their effort.

“If you asked any one of the players we would all say we were pretty disgusted with our performance,” Ryan said.

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“And there’s no excuse for the way that we played.”

The Reds were forced to defend for massive periods of the game after failing to treasure the ball and made life hard for themselves, missing 35 tackles against the rampaging Bulls.

“If our defence is as it was last week, they’ll put 50 points on us clearly and easily,” Ryan said.

“(But) with the quality of our group, our attitude towards the defensive side of the game is at a premium.

“Therefore, we can expect a lot better situation with regards to our effort and attitude to our defence, so that’s a big plus for me.”

The Reds face a massive challenge against the Sharks, who were embarrassed by the Jaguares in front of their home crowd and will want to make amends against a wounded Queensland side.

Samu Kerevi has been retained for the clash against the Sharks as the Reds attempt to end their South Africa hoodoo with an upset in Durban.

The Queensland captain had been expected to be rested under the Wallabies rotation policy ahead of the World Cup but travelled to Durban with teammates following Sunday’s clash against the Bulls in Pretoria and has been named in a near full-strength Reds line-up.

The Reds have made three changes to the XV that took on the Bulls, with Sefa Naivalu returning from his rest period and Harry Hoopert and Angus Scott-Young promoted to the starting side.

Naivalu missed the Bulls match in line with Rugby Australia’s workload management policy and will be a welcome addition for the Reds after their failure to work the ball wide last start.

Brothers prop Hoopert will earn his first Super Rugby starting spot, while a Scott-Young will start at blindside flanker in a reshuffled pack with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto moving to no.8.

JP Smith and Harry Hockings drop to the bench, with Aidan Toua out of the 23 after Naivalu’s return.

After making his Queensland debut in South Africa four years ago against the Bulls in Pretoria, University of Queensland backrower Adam Korczyk could potentially play his first game of 2019 after being added to Queensland’s 23.

 

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said his team was ready for a tough challenge against the Sharks, who lost to Argentina’s Jaguares at Kings Park last start.

“After last week’s result, they’ll be hungry and looking to put in a big performance in front of their home fans,” Thorn said.

“It’s great to have Sefa back. He was missed last week. After sitting out against the Bulls, he’s ready to rip in.

“Harry Hoopert gets an opportunity to start for the first time. It’s reward for his hard work and as a group we congratulate this achievement.

“Apart from Scott Higginbotham, the starting forward pack all played Queensland U20s with each other.

“They’ve all worked and grown together since then. It goes to show the strength and importance of the Queensland pathway.”

The Reds take on the Sharks at Jonsson Kings Park in Durban on Friday, April 19, at 11:15pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

TEAM

Reds to play Sharks

1. Harry Hoopert – Brothers

2. Alex Mafi – Bond University

3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers

4. Izack Rodda – Easts

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths

6. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland

7. Liam Wright – Easts

8. Scott Higginbotham – Wests

9. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland

10. Bryce Hegarty – GPS

11. Jack Hardy – Easts

12. Samu Kerevi (c) – Souths

13. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths

14. Sefa Naivalu – Norths

15. Hamish Stewart – Bond University

Reserves

16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank

17. JP Smith – GPS

18. Ruan Smith – GPS

19. Harry Hockings – University of Queensland

20. Adam Korczyk – University of Queensland

21. Moses Sorovi – Wests

22. Duncan Paia’aua – Norths

23. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland