The NSW Waratahs have made six changes to their starting XV for Friday’s Round 7 Super Rugby Pacific match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
The return of marquee signing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii from a toe injury is a key highlight, with the talented back set to play his second match of the season.
Suaalii, who suffered his injury in Round 1 against the Highlanders, will start at outside centre, replacing Henry O’Donnell, who is not in the 23-man line-up.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar expressed excitement about Suaalii’s return and the decision to play him at outside centre.
“Joseph has trained really well over the past couple of weeks and has done a great job in rehab,” McKellar said.
“It has been a frustrating period for him, but he’s ready to go, and we’re excited to see him back on the field. Positionally, we want to see how he goes at 13.
“The initial plan was for him to play fullback, but given he’s been out for five weeks, we feel outside centre is the best spot for him this week.”
In addition to Suaalii’s inclusion, there are five other changes to the starting XV:
- Hooker Julian Heaven has been named for his first season start for Mahe Vailanu, who broke his arm in last week’s win against the ACT Brumbies. Heaven steps in after earning significant minutes off the bench last week.
- Miles Amatosero returns from a back injury to start as right lock, with Ben Grant as left lock in place of Hugh Sinclair, who is not in the squad.
- Darby Lancaster has been selected on the right wing, pushing Max Jorgensen to fullback. Jorgensen replaces Andrew Kellaway, who is being rested this week.
- Archie Saunders comes into the starting lineup on the left wing for his NSW Waratahs debut, replacing Triston Reilly, who has a shoulder injury.
- Inside centre Joey Walton has been named as the 179th NSW Waratahs captain for Sinclair who has also been rested this week.
On Walton, McKellar said: “Joey has been a strong performer and a natural leader.
“He leads through his actions and communicates well with the group. It’s a proud moment for him and his family.”
The NSW Waratahs have also made notable changes to their ‘finishers’ bench, opting for a 5-3 split to accommodate the expected intensity of the match.
Hooker Ethan Dobbins has been named for his NSW Waratahs debut after joining the squad from the Melbourne Rebels.
Additionally, experienced centre Lalakai Foketi returns from a groin injury and will join playmaker Tane Edmed and scrumhalf Jack Grant as the three reserve backs.
“Against the Hurricanes, we anticipate a fast-paced and high-intensity contest,” McKellar said.
“That’s why we’ve gone with a 5-3 bench. Having Lalakai back fit and available gives us more options in the backline for the final stages of the game.”
1. Loosehead Prop Angus Bell (Sydney University)
2. Hooker Julian Heaven (Eastern Suburbs)
3. Tighthead Prop Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)
4. Left Lock Ben Grant (Sydney University)
5. Right Lock Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)
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 Darby Lancaster (Eastern Suburbs)
12. Inside Centre Joey Walton (C) (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
14. Right Wing Archie Saunders (Warringah) *
15. Fullback Max Jorgensen (Randwick)
Replacements
16. Reserve Ethan Dobbins (Sydney University) *
17. Reserve Isaac Kailea (Randwick)
18. Reserve Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
19. Reserve Felix Kalapu (Northern Suburbs)
20. Reserve Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
21. Reserve Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Reserve Tane Edmed (Eastwood)
23. Reserve Lalakai Foketi (Manly)
* Denotes NSW Waratahs debut
- Jake Gordon (medial ligament)
- Mahe Vailanu (broken arm)
- Triston Reilly (shoulder)
- Dave Porecki (calf)
- Fergus Lee-Warner (foot)
- Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
NSW Waratahs v the Hurricanes
When: at 5.05 pm (AEDT) Friday 28 March 2025
Where: Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
