The NSW Waratahs Super Rugby AUS side has been bolstered by the inclusion of a trio of experienced campaigners ahead of Sunday’s inaugural Grand Final against the Western Force in Perth.
Waratahs coach Lachlan McCaffrey has named Joey Walton on the bench, with the hard-running centre having overcome a groin injury to make his first appearance in the competition.
Joining Walton on the interchange is Wallabies lock Matt Philip, who served a two-match suspension after being cited for a tackle in the Waratahs’ opening game against the Force.
Meanwhile prop Tom Lambert has shaken off a niggle to return to the starting side, with Isaac Kailea dropping back to the bench.
When this week’s Grand Final opponents met in Round 1, the Force walked away with a 24-3 win.
Since then both sides have undergone significant changes in form and personnel, with the Waratahs winning their next two games, including an impressive 42-34 victory over the ACT Brumbies last weekend.
Reflecting on the growth of the team since the Round 1 fixture, McCaffrey praised the commitment of the players.
"We’d only been together two days before that first game and since then the group has got better every single day,” he said.
“There’s a massive belief in the group around the game model and our game plan. They’re enjoying each other’s company and they’re competing.
“So many boys are putting their hands up every week. Competition for spots brings the best out of individuals and we’ve had guys coming off the bench and having a massive impact in that last 15 to 20 minutes.
“We want to enjoy this weekend, compete hard and put our best foot forward. If we get the result, bringing a trophy back to Waratahs HQ will be a special reward for how hard this young group has worked."
- Tom Lambert (Sydney University)
- Ethan Dobbins (Sydney University)
- Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
- Ben Grant (Sydney University)
- Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)
- Clem Halaholo (Sydney University)
- Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
- Leafi Talataina (Sydney University)
- Michael McDonald (Randwick)
- Joey Fowler (Sydney University)
- Sid Harvey (Eastern Suburbs)
- Lawson Creighton (c) (Randwick)
- Jackson Ropata (Warringah)
- Leo Jacques (Eastern Suburbs)
- James Hendren (Randwick) Replacements:
- Bruce Kauika-Petersen (Hunter Wildfires)
- Isaac Kailea (Randwick)
- Apolosi Ranawai (Northern Suburbs)
- Matt Philip (Sydney University)
- Austin Durbidge (Sydney University)
- Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
- Joey Walton (Gordon)
- Otto Serfontein (Eastern Suburbs)
NSW Waratahs vs Western Force
Where: Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex, Western Australia
When: Sunday, 5 October 2025
Kick-off: 4.00 pm (AEDT)
The game will be broadcast LIVE and on demand on Stan Sport and the rugby.com.au YouTube channel.
