Competition tough in Reds' ranks - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Competition tough in Reds' ranks

Darren Cartwright 13/04/2011 03:59:43 PM Comments (0)

Former starting players Van Humphries and Ben Lucas accept they face a tough task to break back into the surging Queensland Reds team.

Lock Van Humphries (thumb) and backline utility Lucas (groin) declared their readiness to return from injury in Saturday's clash with Super Rugby defending champions the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium.

But that's easier said than done with the Reds on top of the Super Rugby ladder and shooting for a club record sixth straight win after a rare South African road trip double with wins over the Lions and previously unbeaten Stormers.

Van Humphries, who fractured his right thumb in the away victory over the Brumbies last month, accepted he would have to work his way back in with Radike Samo and Adam Wallace-Harrison doing well at lock.

"I got through all my fitness tests and I'm available if they need me," Humphries said.

"It will be hard to get back in and it always has been in the second row.

"The guys are playing well and for the better of the team, I'm happy to sit out while the Reds are playing well but I want to get back in at some stage."

Lucas had the fullback spot before his injury but has since seen it filled successfully by Mike Harris and Luke Morahan against the Lions and the Stormers respectively.

"The boys have been going well so the decision is going to be tough to make," Lucas said on Wednesday.

"It's always good when there's pressure for positions...you're putting your best team on the park."

Even if coach Ewen McKenzie finds a place in the squad for Lucas, it's most likely to be on the bench.

Lucas' versatility as an alternative halfback or five eighth gives him an edge in the bench selection stakes.

"I'm looking to go back in as fullback and if I'm not there hopefully covering a few positions if I make the bench," he said.

"I enjoyed the time at fullback before the injury and getting the 80 minutes on the field and having to focus on one position duringthe week."

The Bulls have opted to put star Springbok halfback Fourie du Preez on the bench as he has a niggling shoulder injury.

But there may not be much respite for Reds halfback Will Genia with Francois Hougaard a livewire replacement.

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