James Hanson’s surging sideline try and a non-stop 60-minute performance hasn’t saved the Reds hooker who has been dropped for Queensland’s Super Rugby clash with the Sharks in Durban.

Hanson has been replaced by first-choice rake Saia Fainga’a in one of three changes to the side which piled on five tries in the 43-33 home defeat of the Cheetahs last weekend.

Fainga’a and Wallabies prop James Slipper return to the front-row after overcoming corks that limited their preparations for the Cheetahs’ match, while winger Lachie Turner has overcome a knee problem.

Turner replaces Dom Shipperley on the left wing, with Rod Davies keeping his spot on the right flank thanks to an impressive return from a knee reconstruction that included a try and several incisive runs.

The bullocking Hanson’s memorable five-pointer, beating three defenders on a 20m sprint to the line, came on the stroke of halftime at Suncorp Stadium and gave the Reds a 29-20 lead.

Coach Richard Graham said the changes for Sunday morning’s clash (AEDT) were a sign of the depth within the Reds squad.

“We made some changes to the match-day 23 last week and secured a bonus-point win,” he said. “It is a good sign moving forward.

“Depth is key to achieving success and we’re confident any member of our squad can do the job.”

The Jake White-coached Sharks lead the competition with a 3-0 record and will be strong favourites against a Queensland side which hasn’t won in Durban since 2004.

“The Sharks will be a tough opponent but it’s certainly a challenge the group are looking forward to confronting,” Graham said.

“They’re very physical and direct, not unlike the Brumbies under Jake White’s direction.”

Queensland: Aidan Toua, Rod Davies, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Mike Harris, Lachie Turner, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper. Res: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Jono Owen, Ed O’Donoghue, Beau Robinson, Nick Frisby, Ben Tapuai, Dom Shipperley.