Reds coach Brad Thorn has named an unchanged side for their Super Rugby AU clash with the Rebels in Sydney on Friday.

Lock Angus Blyth was the only player under an injury cloud after sustaining a head knock last weekend but he has been cleared to retain his place in the starting XV.

The Reds ground out a 32-26 win over the Waratahs last week and Thorn said they were preparing for another tough challenge against the Rebels in round two of the competition.

‘This is game two for us and we’re focused on improving our game and knowing we’ve got a really tough opposition, he said.

‘We’ve got a lot of respect for the Rebels. They’re a really good defensive side – good linespeed. Smart man at 10 there with [Matt] To’omua. They’ve got a good set piece – they’ve really stepped up in their scrummaging, good lineout.

‘It was a good hit-out with them and the Brumbies. They’re a strong side and that’s how we’re approaching it.’

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Reds – 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright (c), 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Harry Hoopert.
Subs: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 JP Smith, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Scott Malolua, 22 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 23 Josh Flook.

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