The NSW Waratahs have made seven changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s Round 8 Super Rugby Pacific match against Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar has named a dynamic and well-balanced squad that reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent.
McKellar has opted for an all-Sydney University front row this week.
Hooker Ethan Dobbins has earned his first start for the NSW Waratahs since joining the team from the Rebelas this season.
Dobbins made his NSW Waratahs debut off the bench last week and impressed with his composure. His selection sees Julian Heaven named on the bench.
Tighthead prop Dan Botha earns his first start for 2025 with Angus Bell remaining at loosehead.
Botha has been making significant strides under scrum coach Dan Palmer, with McKellar praising his ability to implement feedback effectively.
Botha's selection means that Taniela Tupou will also play from the bench.
“We believe Dan will provide a solid set-piece foundation and physicality to start the game,” McKellar said.
“Then we have the luxury of bringing in a player like Taniela Tupou in the final 30 minutes to make a big impact.
McKellar also spoke to Tupou about his role this week, emphasizing the importance of his impact off the bench.
“I had a good conversation with Taniela about this selection,” McKellar said.
“He understands that he has a massive role to play when he comes on, bringing energy, power, and leadership in that crucial final period.
“His ability to change the momentum of a game is a real asset for us.”
The return of lock Hugh Sinclair – and as captain - adds key leadership to the squad, as McKellar highlighted, citing his experience and ability to inspire.
Sinclair takes the spot of MIles Amatosero who has not been named in the 23-player match line-up.
“Hugh brings a great deal of leadership and composure to the group,” McKellar said.
“His presence is invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations.”
The NSW Waratahs starting XV sees the return of four key backs this week.
Triston Reilly has been selected on the left wing after missing last week due to a shoulder injury.
McKellar highlighted Reilly’s defensive strength, particularly his performance against the ACT Brumbies earlier in the season.
“Tristan would have played last week if not for injury. He has been superb defensively and brings real energy on the wing,” McKellar said.
Meanwhile, Lalakai Foketi, who played off the bench last week, has earned his first start at inside centre for Joey Walton who has been moved to the bench.
Henry O’Donnell has earned his place back in the side at outside centre; while Andrew Kellaway returns to the line-up, but at right wing for Darby Lancaster who has been ruled out with his concussion sustained in last week's game.
Joseph Suaalii, who played almost a full match at fullback last week after Jorgensen was sidelined with his syndesmosis injury, retains the No. 15 jersey.
McKellar acknowledged that Suaalii has the skill set to play fullback and outside centre but sees his current role as the best fit for the team.
“Joseph is a natural athlete with great vision and a strong defensive game,” he said.
“He can provide the stability and counter-attacking ability we need at fullback, particularly against a team that likes to play expansively like Moana Pasifika.”
The NSW Waratahs’ bench will again be a 5-3 split between forwards and backs, with the one new inclusion being that of promising back Jack Bowen.
The selection of Bowen among the three backs on the bench with Walton and scrumhalf Jack Grant has seen Tane Edmed miss out on selection altogether.
McKellar said Bowen has earned his place after producing strong performances in pre-season and NSW Waratahs ‘A’ games.
“Jack has worked hard, played well in the ‘A’ game against the Brumbies Runners, and deserves his crack at Super Rugby level,” said McKellar.
- Loosehead Prop Angus Bell (Sydney University)
2. Hooker Ethan Dobbins (Sydney University)
3. Tighthead Prop Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
4. Left Lock Hugh Sinclair (C) (Northern Suburbs)
5. Right Lock Ben Grant (Sydney University)
6. Left Flanker Rob Leota (Eastern Suburbs)
7. Right Flanker Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)
8. Number Eight Langi Gleeson (Manly)
9. Scrumhalf Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
10. Flyhalf Lawson Creighton (Randwick)
11. Left Wing Triston Reilly (Randwick)
12. Inside Centre Lalakai Foketi (Manly)
13. Outside Centre Henry O'Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
14. Right Wing Andrew Kellaway (Eastern Suburbs)
15. Fullback Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
16. Reserve Julian Heaven (Eastern Suburbs)
17. Reserve Isaac Kailea (Randwick)
18. Reserve Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)
19. Reserve Felix Kalapu (Northern Suburbs)
20. Reserve Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
21. Reserve Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Reserve Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs)
23. Reserve Joey Walton (Gordon)
Max Jorgensen (syndesmosis)
Jake Gordon (medial ligament)
Mahe Vailanu (broken arm)
Darby Lancaster (concussion)
Dave Porecki (calf)
Fergus Lee-Warner (foot)
Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
NSW Waratahs v Moana Pasifika
When: 12.05 pm (AEDT) Saturday 5 April 2025
Where: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
