Reds tour to South Africa.

QR Reds coach Ewen McKenzie will use the three match tour of South Africa to improve the depth of the side in certain positions.

McKenzie said that while the Reds had overcome their horrid injury toll earlier this season, it would be folly to think improvements couldn’t be made.

“We haven’t won every game, so we’re not kidding ourselves that we are killing it,” McKenzie said.

“We’re not resting on our laurels and we’re not sitting here going we’ve got it all sorted. We’ve got to keep working within the squad and see if we have any untapped potential in the group that can make us better.”

The strategy meant the experienced Morgan Turinui was an unlucky omission in the Reds’ 26-man touring party, with McKenzie eager to develop new recruit Will Chambers in the number 13 jersey behind Wallaby outside centre Digby Ioane.

Another beneficiary of the innovation McKenzie is bringing to team selection is QAS Reds Academy inside centre Ben Tapuai, who is yet to receive an opportunity in 2010 after making his Queensland and Super Rugby debut against the Crusaders last season.

McKenzie said Tapuai was the perfect example of a player who needs an opportunity should there be an injury to inside centre Anthony Faingaa, who re-signed with the Reds this week.

“We’re only an injury away in some positions from being exposed, so we’ve got to make sure we work on the depth,” he said.

“As much as Anthony has been doing a great job at 12, we haven’t really given anyone else a go in that position, and we can’t just assume he is going to play every minute of every game.

“I think young Ben Tapuai is a great prospect and we want to see how he goes.”

Tapuai joins tighthead prop Jack Kennedy as the only players in the squad to have not received game time this season, although both have Super Rugby experience.

Wing Rod Davies is recovering well from a broken cheekbone and has been named in the touring squad, along with formerly injured playmaker Tim Walsh (hand).

Backrower Ezra Taylor joins Tapuai, Kennedy, Davies and Walsh as the only members of the squad to not appear in the Reds 50-10 victory over the Force last Sunday.

The Reds will play three games in South Africa against the Cheetahs, Sharks and Lions before returning to Brisbane for a blockbuster clash with current Investec Bank Super 14 leaders, the Bulls.