The NSW Waratahs have named their team to face the ACT Brumbies in Round 7 of the Super Rugby Pacific this Saturday at 7:35pm AEDT at GIO Stadium.
After playing his first game of the season last week, Lalakai Foketi returns to the starting side at inside centre. Foketi's return sees Joey Walton shift to outside centre, and Izaia Perese back to the reserves list.
“Lalakai brings a great power game for us, he links up well with Tane, and he gets the ball to width deceptively well which helps us get our back three more involved,” said Assistant Coach Pauli Taumoepeau.
In a boost for NSW, Wallabies prop Angus Bell and tireless openside flanker Charlie Gamble also return to the Waratahs' starting lineup.
“The ability to bring Belly and Charlie back into the starting side obviously brings us that punch that we need,” Taumoepeau said.
“Charlie brings us that on-ball presence. When we’re defending well it helps to have a seven that can pilfer the ball so we’ll be looking for that from him.
“And Angus at scrum time will be really important for us, along with his ball-carrying ability.”
The duo’s return is timely for the Waratahs with the team hit hard by injuries of late.
Dynamic hooker Mahe Vailanu unfortunately sustained a knee injury against the Rebels which will see him sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Julian Heaven will subsequently start the match against the Brumbies at hooker, with Theo Fourie joining the reserves list.
“Mahe is a big loss for us but it’s a good opportunity for Julian. He started against the Blues and did really well. We just want him to do his job; solidify our set-piece, carry hard and tackle hard. It’s a good opportunity for him and as coaches we’re just looking for him to bring what naturally comes to his game.”
In other team changes, Langi Gleeson and Jack Grant are out due to concussion protocols, with Hugh Sinclair shifting to Number 8 and Teddy Wilson making his return.
NSW will be hoping to celebrate Lachlan Swinton’s 50th Super Rugby match in style against a tough Brumbies outfit.
“Swinno has always been that spiritual leader for us. He doesn’t say much but when he does say something everyone listens. He does most of his talking on the field through his carries and through his defence.
“Against the Brumbies, we’ll need all hands on deck and if Swinno is leading the charge he’ll be pretty easy to follow.
“They’re a class side. They’ve been the best maulers in the competition for a very long time. We’ve got to be really disciplined and play them at the right ends of the field.
“I think the battle will be won and lost up front. We’re looking forward to this challenge.”
Position
1. Loosehead Prop
2. Hooker
3. Tighthead Prop
4. Left Lock
5. Right Lock
6. Left Flanker
7. Right Flanker
8. Number 8
9. Scrumhalf
10. Flyhalf
11. Left Wing
12. Inside Centre
13. Outside Centre
14. Right Wing
15. Fullback
16. Reserve
17. Reserve
18. Reserve
19. Reserve
20. Reserve
21. Reserve
22. Reserve
23. Reserve
Name
Angus Bell (Sydney University)
Julian Heaven (Eastern Suburbs)
Harry Johnson-Holmes (Sydney Univerity)
Jed Holloway (Southern Districts)
Fergus Lee-Warner (Eastern Suburbs)
Lachlan Swinton (Sydney University)
Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)
Hugh Sinclair (Northern Suburbs)
Jake Gordon © (Sydney University)
Tane Edmed (Eastwood)
Dylan Pietsch (Randwick)
Lalakai Foketi (Manly)
Joey Walton (Gordon)
Mark Nawaqanitawase (Eastwood)
Max Jorgensen (Randwick)
Theo Fourie (Randwick)
Hayden Thompson-Stringer (Manly)
Tom Ross (Northern Suburbs)
Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)
Sione Misiloi (Randwick)
Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
Will Harrison (Randwick)
Izaia Perese (Randwick)
Players unavailable for selection:
- David Porecki - Achillies (TBC)
- Thomas Lambert - Knee (Season)
- Archer Holz - Shoulder (TBC)
- Mesu Kunavula – Knee (Season)
- Ned Slack-Smith - Concussion (TBC)
- Daniel Botha - Neck (TBC)
- Mahe Vailanu - Knee (Season)
- Langi Gleeson - Concussion protocols (Round 8+)
- Jack Grant - Concussion protocols (Round 8+)
- Ned Hanigan - Knee (Round 8)
Match Details
Super Rugby Pacific - Round 7: NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies.
Saturday April 6 at GIO Stadium.
Kick-off 7:35pm AEDT.
The match will be broadcast live and ad-free and Stan Sport.
