The NSW Waratahs have made three changes to the starting XV that won their Super Rugby Pacific Round 4 clash against the Western Force for Round 5 against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium Brisbane on Saturday.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar has elevated two players from the bench where both made Super Rugby Pacific debuts for the side last week.
One is No. 8 Leafi Talataina for his starting debut with the NSW Waratahs in place of Langi Gleeson who has been named on the bench. The other is Triston Reilly on to the right wing for Darby Lancaster who is out with a minor leg injury.
The third change to the starting side is the naming of Teddy Wilson for his debut as the starting NSW Waratahs scrumhalf for captain Jake Gordon who is out with a medial ligament injury that is expected to sideline him for approximately four weeks.
Gordon's absence also means that lock Hugh Sinclair will lead the side and in doing so become the 178th NSW Waratahs captain.
The one other change by McKellar has been to return flanker Jamie Adamson to the side as a replacement in what is a 6-2 forwards/backs bench selection.
McKellar has every confidence in the side picked to play the Queensland Reds.
On Wilson, McKellar was all praise: "He's worked hard on his core skills.
“He's ready for what will be a big game… we’ve got full belief in what he’ll bring.
“He’s a competitor, he fights, and he embodies everything we want in a player."
McKellar said Talataina’s selection rewards strong form since joining the squad.
He described Talataina as a "big, rangy back-rower" with excellent footwork and strong set-piece ability, noting that he "deserves a chance."
This move sees Gleeson shift to the bench to provide impact later in the match.
On Reilly’s starting role, McKellar cited his defense and all-round contribution.
McKellar praised Reilly as a "really strong defensive winger" who also has the ability to break through the line and create opportunities in attack.
McKellar said the selection of a 6-2 bench split, with a forward-heavy reserve list is in anticipation of a physical battle against the Reds.
Adding conviction to the contest, the two sides will also play for the Bob Templeton Cup, established to commemorate the late Bob Templeton.
The Cup is a symbol of the fierce yet respectful long-standing rivalry between the two sides who have both won it 20 times since it was introduced in 2000.
"It's going to be a physical game... we've looked at 6-2 benches in the first few weeks, and this week, we’ve decided to go with it again,” McKellar said.
“Our bench has made a significant impact in our opening matches, and we’re excited about what they’ll bring this week."
- Loosehead Prop Angus Bell (Sydney University)
2. Hooker David Porecki (Manly)
3. Tighthead Prop Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)
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 Leafi Talataina (Sydney University)*
9. Scrumhalf Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)*
10. Flyhalf Lawson Creighton (Randwick)
11. Left Wing Max Jorgensen (Randwick)
12. Inside Centre Joey Walton (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre Henry O'Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
14. Right Wing Triston Reilly (Randwick)*
15. Fullback Andrew Kellaway (Randwick)
16. Reserve Mahe Vailanu (Gordon)
17. Reserve Tom Lambert (Sydney University)
18. Reserve Siosifa Amone (Northern Suburbs)
19. Reserve Felix Kalapu (Northern Suburbs)
20. Reserve Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
21. Reserve Langi Gleeson (Manly)
22. Reserve Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
23. Reserve Tane Edmed (Eastwood)
*Denotes NSW Waratahs starting debut
Jake Gordon (medial ligament)
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (toe)
Darby Lancaster (leg)
Miles Amatosero (back)
Lalakai Foketi (groin)
Fergus Lee-Warner (foot)
Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
When: at 7.35 pm (AEDT) Saturday 15 March 2025
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The game will be televised LIVE on 9Gem and Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
