NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar is bracing his team for a bruising encounter against Moana Pasifika in their Round 8 Super Rugby Pacific clash at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand this Saturday afternoon.
Recognising the threat posed by a side that last week claimed a stunning win over the Crusaders, McKellar emphasised defensive resilience and physicality.
“They're a very, very good side. They’ve improved significantly over the last couple of years,” McKellar said Thursday before the team flew to New Zealand.
“If you let them play on the front foot, they'll challenge and hurt any team. We have to bring the right mindset and meet them in the collision area.”
McKellar cited Moana Pasifika’s powerful, fast-paced approach that helped them score 45 points against the Crusaders – a rare feat in Christchurch.
“There aren’t too many secrets to how they’re going to play. If they get quick ball and their big men are rolling forward, they’re hard to contain,” he said.
“Our defensive effort and ability to control the physical contest will be critical.”
McKellar is confident his squad has taken the lessons from recent games and is ready to go toe-to-toe with one of the most physically imposing teams.
The return of captain Hugh Sinclair in the second row for Miles Amatosero – will also add plenty of starch to the mental edge in such a high-intensity clash.
“It’s not about what happened last week—it’s about what we do this Saturday,” McKellar said. “We know what’s coming, and we’re ready for the fight.”
The NSW Waratahs head into the match looking to bounce back from a heavy 57-12 defeat to the Hurricanes in Wellington last Friday.
McKellar admitted that Monday’s review session was a tough but necessary reality check for his squad.
“It was really honest, and to be fair, it needed to be. We took the opportunity to address key areas, both on and off the field,” he said.
“Since then, the boys have been superb in their response.”
The NSW Waratahs have struggled to assert themselves away from home, and McKellar stressed that improvement in mindset and execution is crucial.
“If you look at the last two weeks, there have been moments where we haven’t met the challenge physically,” he noted.
“That’s just a mindset thing, and we’ve worked hard to ensure we turn up ready on Saturday.”
McKellar has made several changes to his lineup to ensure the NSW Waratahs can match Moana Pasifika’s physicality and set-piece dominance.
Tighthead prop Dan Botha earns his first start of the season, with Wallaby Taniela Tupou shifting to the bench.
McKellar praised Botha’s progress and work ethic.
“Dan has developed well, particularly around the set piece. He’s worked hard, taken on feedback, and deserves this opportunity,” McKellar said.
“Taniela is an incredible player, and we want him to make a major impact off the bench in the final stages.”
McKellar also addressed the decision to use Tupou as an impact player off the bench rather than in the starting lineup.
“We know what Taniela can do—he’s one of the best tightheads in the game,” he said.
“But we want to get more out of him, and this week, we’re looking for him to make a real difference in that last 30 minutes when the game is on the line.
“He understands that, and he’s on board with what we need from him.”
The NSW Waratahs coach reiterated his confidence in Tupou, acknowledging his ability to shift momentum late in games.
“There’s no question about Taniela’s quality. Sometimes it’s about managing workloads and ensuring we maximise what he brings,” McKellar said.
“He’s a competitor. I know he’ll have a big impact for us when he comes on.”
Meanwhile, Lalakai Foketi will start at inside centre for the first time this season, offering experience and creativity in the midfield.
Henry O’Donnell partners him in the midfield at outside centre, while Andrew Kellaway returns on the right wing.
“Lalakai is a class player, and this is his first start at 12 this season, which is his preferred position,” McKellar said.
“He brings experience, a strong defensive presence, and an ability to create opportunities for those around him.”
“He’s been managing a few niggles, but he’s been playing through them and showing great commitment.
“This week, we wanted to freshen him up and give him a real shot to make an impact from the start.”
On O’Donnell, McKellar said: “Henry has worked hard for this opportunity.
“He’s got a strong skill set, he’s physical in the contact areas, and he’s shown his ability to link well with the players around him.”
“He’s a young player who keeps improving every week.
“He’s still learning at this level, but his attitude and willingness to take on feedback have
The NSW Waratahs will be without young star outside back Max Jorgensen, who has been sidelined with a syndesmosis injury.
McKellar confirmed that Jorgensen will undergo surgery and is expected to miss six to eight weeks. Despite the setback, the coach remains optimistic.
“It’s an opportunity for Max to focus on his physical development and come back stronger,” McKellar said.
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
