Slipper to skipper Reds

Editor

Prop James Slipper will lead the Reds against the Waratahs on Saturday in the absence of James Horwill and Will Genia.

Prop James Slipper will lead the Reds against the Waratahs on Saturday in the absence of James Horwill and Will Genia.

The Wallaby duo have been ruled out of the Reds' final round robin clash as a result of injuries suffered while on international duty.

Slipper takes over the captain's armband as a result in what will be his 50th game for the Queensland franchise.

Ed O'Donoghue replaces Horwill in the second row, while Nick Frisby continues to wear the number nine jersey.

Ace goal-kicker Mike Harris has returned from injury and will slot into the midfield alongside Ben Tapuai.

The Reds are assured of a place in the play-offs, but will not be resting on their laurels in this derby as they look to do the double over the Waratahs and secure the highest possible finish on the overall table.

Reds: 15 Ben Lucas, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Luke Morahan, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nick Frisby, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Eddie Quirk, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Ed O'Donoghue, 3 James Slipper (captain), 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Albert Anae, 17 Jono Owen, 18 Radike Samo, 19 Jarrad Butler, 20 Beau Robinson, 21 Anthony Faingaa, 22 Dom Shipperley.

Date: Saturday, July 13
Kick-off: 19:40
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: James Leckie (Australia), Ed Martin (Australia)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)