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Only injury, or the prospect of a returning James O'Connor, will stop Karmichael Hunt from being given his first Super Rugby start at number 10 after the Reds belted the Crusaders 35-12 in an impressive trial showing at Ballymore.
Hunt was even given the blessing of opposite number Dan Carter as he gave Reds coach Richard Graham the perfect insurance policy as Queensland starts the season without Quade Cooper.
O'Connor hasn't played any rugby since returning to Australia, missing both trials firstly with a knee concern and then tonsillitis. But he does have Wallaby experience at number 10, which could tip the scales in his favour.
But Hunt left everybody with the impression he would be up to the challenge in round one against the Brumbies, delivering 50 minutes of rock-solid rugby behind a dominant pack that gave him every chance to stake his claim.
http://m.smh.com.au/rugby-union/unio...06-138dr8.html