"Big" Harris won't razzle dazzle like Cooper

Former North Harbour Mike Harris will get his chance to seal the Reds first five-eighth jersey against the Brumbies, although Ben Lucas will get his opportunity later in the Investec Super Rugby champions second pre-season clash of 2012.

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Some believe that the absence of Cooper, who is recovering from a knee injury suffered at the Rugby World Cup, will be a critical blow for the Reds.

Coach Ewen McKenzie believes that one man’s loss is another’s opportunity, and Harris will look to cement his chance which some felt was lost last season.

Harris was impressing as a backup for Cooper as well being the Reds starting second five-eighth, before he suffered a season ending knee injury against the Melbourne Rebels – which led to another Reds development project in Ben Tapaui excelling with his time in the run on team before being named to tour Britain with the Wallabies after the World Cup.

The Auckland born former head boy at Westlake College First XV said to the Australian he might not be the wizard Cooper pertains to be, but said he has other skills that he will bring to the Reds tactical arsenal this season.

"I don't see myself throwing flick passes and the amazing stuff that Quade can do," he said.

"I'll try to keep it simpler and deliver a gameplan as best I can.

"I'm big for a five-eighth. I don't mind carrying the ball and I can take it to the line. I'll be a bit more direct and get the ball to the speed out wide. We have a good, healthy balance in the backs."

Harris, who moved to the Reds after limited opportunities with the Blues, said that he was setting the goal to achieve Wallabies selection.

"You are only committed once you pull on one of the jerseys," Harris said.

"One of my goals this year is to make the Wallabies squad. At the moment that is a long way away and I'm focusing on the Reds."

"There are two ways you can look at it. Big shoes to fill or another opportunity. I'm thankful for my first opportunity at the Reds. This is another.

McKenzie said the naming of Harris and Lucas was a further part of the Reds grooming.

“Mike and Ben both bring different qualities to the game but the reality is we need more than one option at each position so it’s important they both put their best foot forward on Saturday,” McKenzie said.

“Local derby games are always tough and, including trials, we play five Australian teams straight up. That’s going to be physically taxing but Mike and Ben have previously exhibited the physical attributes we believe are needed for the opening part of our campaign.

“But it isn’t just about the battle for the flyhalf position, we’re excited to see how a number of players will step up in our two trials. Since I've been here we’ve never enjoyed more depth within our squad than now so performance is going to be a huge factor on who is selected for round one.