The NSW Waratahs have made three changes to the starting XV that won their Super Rugby Pacific Round 3 clash against the Fijian Drua for their Round 4 game against the Western Force at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park on Saturday.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar has elevated Ben Grant from the bench to the side for Miles Amatosero who is not in the 23-strong squad.
McKellar has also selected Lawson Creighton for his NSW Waratahs debut as the side’s starting flyhalf for Tane Edmed who has been named on the bench.
Creighton is one of three NSW Waratahs debutants on Saturday night. The others are lock Felix Kalapu and backrower Leafi Talataina on the bench.
The third change to the starting XV is the return of Joey Walton from a groin injury to inside centre for Lalakai Foketi who has injured his groin.
The only other changes to the NSW Waratahs side are on the bench. Prop Tom Lambert comes in Isaac Kailea and half-back Jack Grant for Teddy Wilson.
Talking about the selections, McKellar noted the strong performances of the players stepping into key roles this week.
“Ben Grant has been really good off the bench in the last couple of games and has had a strong pre-season,” McKellar said.
“He's a good lineout operator, and given the Force’s defensive strengths in that area, we felt he deserved an opportunity to start.”
On Creighton’s elevation, McKellar cited the flyhalf’s progress in recent weeks. “Lawson has worked really hard in rehab after arriving with a groin injury.
“He got back to full fitness, played well in the ‘A’ game against the Brumbies Runners [two weeks ago], and has trained really well the last couple of weeks.
“We feel he’s ready to start, and it’s a great opportunity for him.”
McKellar was also full of praise for Walton’s return to the starting side after recovering from a groin injury sustained in Round 1 against the Highlanders.
“It’s great to have Joey back,” McKellar said.
“Our medical and strength and conditioning staff have done a superb job to turn what could have been a longer-term injury into a short-term one.
“He’s been with us all pre-season and knows exactly how we want to play.
“He’ll bring strong communication and work ethic to the midfield.”
The selection of debutants Kalapu and Talataina reflects the depth and competition within the Waratahs squad.
“Leafi is an incredibly hard worker, coming back from an ACL reconstruction, and has been one of our best throughout the pre-season,” McKellar said.
“Felix has also impressed in trial games and brings a strong, physical presence. Both have earned their spots and deserve their opportunity.”
In the halfback rotation, Jack Grant gets his chance over Teddy Wilson this week.
“Jack was excellent in the trial games and really strong off the bench against the Highlanders,” McKellar said.
“His leadership, direction, and execution have been outstanding.
“Unfortunately, Teddy misses out this week, but he’ll get his opportunities again soon.”
- Loosehead Prop Angus Bell (Sydney University)
2. Hooker David Porecki (Manly)
3. Tighthead Prop Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)
4. Left Lock Hugh Sinclair (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 Langi Gleeson (Manly)
9. Scrumhalf Jake Gordon © (Sydney University)
10. Flyhalf Lawson Creighton (Randwick)*
11. Left Wing Darby Lancaster (Eastern Suburbs)
12. Inside Centre Joey Walton (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre Henry O'Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
14. Right Wing Max Jorgensen (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 Leafi Talataina (Sydney University)*
21. Reserve Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Reserve Tane Edmed (Eastwood)
23. Reserve Triston Reilly (Randwick)
*Denotes NSW Waratahs debut
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (toe)
Lalakai Foketi (groin)
Fergus Lee-Warner (foot)
Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
NSW Waratahs v the Western Force
When: at 7.35 pm Saturday 8 March 2025
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
To purchase your tickets, click HERE
The game will be televised LIVE on 9Gem and Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
