The NSW Waratahs have confirmed their line-up for their Super Rugby Pacific clash against the top-of-the- table Chiefs at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar has made two changes to his starting XV for the Friday night Round 9 clash, with Englishman Jamie Adamson set to make his run-on debut for the team as openside flanker.
Adamson will replace Charlie Gamble who has been sidelined through illness.
The rest of the forward pack remains the same as what lost to Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland last week, including Wallabies loosehead prop Angus Bell who will earn his 50th NSW Waratahs Cap in an all-Sydney University front row with hooker Ethan Dobbins and tighthead Daniel Botha.
Filling out the pack is captain Hugh Sinclair and Ben Grant as locks, while Rob Leota as left flanker and Langi Glesson at No. 8 join Adamson in the backrow.
In the backline, Joey Walton returns to the start side as inside centre, shifting Lalakai Foketi to outside centre, while Henry O’Donnell moves to the bench.
Also starting are scrumhalf Teddy Wilson and flyhalf Lawson Creighton wingers Triston Reilly and Andrew Kellaway and full-back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
For Adamson, who has impressed off the bench, his first opportunity to start has come as the NSW Waratahs face the biggest test of the season so far.
“Unfortunately, Charlie [Gamble] is unwell and wasn’t available for selection this week,” McKellar said.
“Jamie’s been really solid for us coming off the bench.
“He’s fit, he’ll bring high energy and a lot of physicality, particularly around the tackle area.
“It’s a great opportunity for him to show what he can do from the opening whistle.”
In the midfield, McKellar has opted for experience and continuity, with Walton back in the start side after managing his workload against Moana Pasifika.
“Joey’s played a lot of minutes for us this year and has been carrying a few bumps and bruises,” McKellar said.
“Last week we just thought it was smart to ease his load a little by bringing him off the bench.
“He’s been a strong performer and deserves his place back in the starting team.
“Moving Lalakai to 13 gives us a good blend of power and skill in the centres.”
O'Donnell, who started at outside centre last week, will add impact from a 5-3 split bench that also sees the return of lock Miles Amatosero and backrower Leafi Talataina.
Amatosero and Talataina join hooker Julian Heaven and Wallabies props Isaac Kailea and Taniela Tupou as the five finishing forwards.
In the backs, O'Donnell is joined on the bench by scrumhalf Jack Grant and versatile playmaker Jack Bowen.
Despite the forced changes, McKellar said he was pleased with the consistency developing within the squad.
“Injuries have played a part at different times this season, but overall there’s a growing consistency in selection, which is important,” he said.
“Outside of Charlie being unavailable, and a few longer-term injuries, it’s a squad that’s building nicely.
“We’re comfortable with the 23 we’ve picked for what’s going to be a huge game.”
The Chiefs are one of the competition’s form teams, and McKellar knows the NSW Waratahs will need to lift to match the New Zealand powerhouse.
“They’re a side that’s probably favoured to win the comp,” McKellar said.
“We know the challenge that’s in front of us, but we’re excited by it.”
- 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 Jamie Adamson (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 Joey Walton (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre Lalakai Foketi (Manly)
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 Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)
20. Reserve Leafi Talataina (Sydney University)
21. Reserve Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Reserve Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs)
23. Reserve Henry O'Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
• Charlie Gamble (ill)
• Max Jorgensen (syndesmosis)
• Jake Gordon (medial ligament)
• Mahe Vailanu (broken arm)
• Darby Lancaster (concussion)
• Dave Porecki (calf)
• Fergus Lee-Warner (foot)
• Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
What: NSW Waratahs v the Chiefs
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
When: Friday, 11 April, 2025
Kick-off: 7.35 pm
For tickets to the game via Ticketek, click HERE
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
