New-look backline for Reds

Ben Tune's come back has been made complete after being granted a starting position in the Queensland Reds team to play the Cheetahs on Friday night.

Tune's inclusion at outside centre is just one of a number of changes in the backline that coach Jeff Miller has made to cover the retirement of Elton Flatley and Chris Latham's rib injury.

Julian Huxley's solid form has seen him take the number 12 jersey as Berrick Barnes returns from injury to play flyhalf.

Drew Mitchell switches from wing to fullback and Henari Veratau comes back into the team on the wing.

Tune said he was mostly feeling relief since being given the news of his call up.

"There were a number of times towards the end of last year after I had some more surgery I didn't quite know whether or not I'd make it back on to the paddock so just to be running around again is a good feeling."

Latham's absence gives Mitchell an opportunity to play in his preferred position of fullback.

"First of all Chris Latham missing this match is a big blow for Queensland rugby and I guess although I'm filling his position you can never really fill the role of a Chris Latham," Mitchell said.

"In saying that, I'm not going out to try to play his game. I just want to concentrate on playing my game and fullback's my preferred position so hopefully I can… have a pretty positive impact on the match."

Mitchell regularly trains at fullback and doesn't feel any extra pressure on him ahead of this match.

"I'd hope that people wouldn't expect me to be able to play like a Chris Latham because, I mean let's be honest, the guy's a bit of a freak. He's got that ability to pull something from nothing in any time of the game."

The team travels to Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

Rugby Super 14 - Round 7

Central Cheetahs vs Queensland Reds
Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
Friday March 24
Kick-Off: 7:10pm (RSA), Sat 25/3 - 3:10am (QLD)

Exclusively Live on Fox Sports from 3:00am (QLD time, Saturday morning)