Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has made just one change to his starting line-up for their clash with the Lions on Sunday, with giant lock Will Skelton replacing Jacques Potgieter.
After a standout performance off the bench in the win over the Hurricanes, the biggest player in the Waratahs squad will start for the sixth time this season.
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“I haven’t left him out on purpose, he’s played some good football this season and his game against the Hurricanes was another step up,” said coach Michael Cheika.
The 21-year-old tips the scales at close to 140 kilograms and will bring some added weight to the Waratahs pack who are up against a massive Lions forward pack.
“The Lions have been excellent in the scrum. They’ve pretty much dominated nearly every opposition that they’ve come up against, or they’ve had a really good contest with them, and it’s going to be a big battle for our forwards out there,” claimed the coach.
Potgieter drops back to the bench but the explosive ball runner and hit man is sure to get plenty of time on the field, after being forced off early with a leg injury against the Hurricanes.
An ankle injury to the Waratahs back-up hooker Tola Latu has opened the door for Eastwood’s Hugh Roach to take his place on the bench and there is every chance he could make his debut says Cheika.
“He’s been here since the start of the season and has worked hard at training. It’s up to him now to see if he can keep Tolu out when he returns from injury.”
The Waratahs’ versatility has allowed them to name five forwards, a scrumhalf and two wings on the bench with Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley Cooper, Rob Horne and Matt Carraro all starting and capable and comfortable of playing in numerous backline positions.
One of those backs named on the bench is Taqele Naiyaravoro, the Waratahs latest signing. But the Fijian winger may not get much game time according to the coach.
“It’s probably just about getting in there, getting a look at the atmosphere, getting pitchside seeing how fast the game’s going and, if he gets a chance to have a run, we’ll throw him out there.”
Undefeated at home this season, the Tahs will this weekend chase a ninth straight win over the Lions. But it won’t be easy after the Lions came within a point of hauling down the Highlanders from 23-0.
“They were unlucky not to get the points in Dunedin and their second half was full of running,” added Cheika.
Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Matt Carraro, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis (Captain), 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Benn Robinson
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Jacques Potgieter, 20 Stehen Hoiles, 21 Brendan McKibbin, 22 Alofa Alofa, 23 Taqele Naiyaravoro.
Date: Sunday 18 May
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-Off: 08:05 SA Time (16:05 AEST, 06:05 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Andrew Lees (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)