NSW Waratahs coach Lachlan McCaffrey has named a largely unchanged team ahead of Saturday’s crucial Super Rugby AUS clash against the ACT Brumbies at Viking Park.
Last week’s bonus point win over the Queensland Reds saw the Waratahs ascend to second place on the ladder and victory over the Brumbies will secure the team a Grand Final berth.
McCaffrey has opted to retain the same backline while flanker Clem Halaholo has been promoted to the starting side and prop Jack Barrett joins the bench.
"Clem had a really good impact in the last ten to fifteen minutes against the Reds. He hasn’t had an opportunity to start in this competition yet, so it’s great he gets a start this week,” McCaffrey said.
"Jack Barrett has been impressive. Not just in the last few weeks, but over the past three or four months, since coming back from injury. He’s done everything asked of him and we’re excited to give him an opportunity again.
“Playing in Canberra is no easy task. If we focus on ourselves and execute our game plan we give ourselves a shot at winning.
"Momentum might come or go but the boys have been excellent in attacking every day, getting better individually and as a group. They’ll take confidence from the way we executed our game model on Saturday versus the Reds. When we execute well, positive results will follow."
The Waratahs had six players named in the Super Rugby AUS Team of the Week following Round 2, with fullback James Hendren crowned Player of the Week for his electrifying four-try performance against the Reds.
“James has always had the rugby IQ, but now he’s adding more physicality to his attack, ball carrying and defence. He’s a running threat, a kick threat, a pass threat. He’s a very talented player,” McCaffrey said.
- Isaac Kailea (Randwick)
- 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 (Randwick)
- Jackson Ropata (Warringah)
- Leo Jacques (Eastern Suburbs)
- James Hendren (Randwick) Reserves:
- Bruce Kauika-Petersen (Hunter Wildfires)
- Jack Barrett (Randwick)
- Apolosi Ranawai (Northern Suburbs)
- Chlayton Frans (Warringah)
- Austin Durbidge (Sydney University)
- Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
- Otto Serfontein (Eastern Suburbs)
- James McGregor (Eastwood)
NSW Waratahs Vs ACT Brumbies
Where: Tuggeranong Vikings Rugby Union Club
When: Saturday, 27 September 2025
Kick-off: 5.00 pm (AEST)
The game will be broadcast LIVE and on demand on Stan Sport and the rugby.com.au YouTube channel.
