The Waratahs have been forced to make two changes ahead of Friday’s final match for the regular season against the Hurricanes at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Benn Robinson (arm) and Sosene Anesi (shoulder) both suffered injuries in Saturday’s 46-19 victory over the Chiefs in Hamilton and were unavailable for selection.
In their place, Dan Palmer has been named at loosehead prop with Rory Sidey – who travelled as 23rd man to Hamilton last week – coming on to the bench.
Head coach Chris Hickey said that with the exception of the players lost to injury that selectors had no issues selecting the players who laid the foundation for victory last weekend.
“We tinkered with the side a bit last week with Berrick [Barnes] and Tom [Carter] shifting in and also Pat McCutcheon coming into the starting XV, and the results were really positive,” said Hickey.
“Last week was a must-win game, as is this one, and the players who did the job against the Chiefs deserve the chance to again this Friday.
“It’s particularly disappointing to lose both Robbo and Sos, but that creates opportunities for other players.
“Rory has been working closely with the backs for the past two weeks and is able to cover centre and wing, so there’s good balance there on the bench with Daniel covering the inside back positions.
“Dan Palmer’s performance against the Highlanders proved he can handle it at loosehead at this level and he’ll relish the opportunity to be there from the outset once again. Jeremy Tilse has also performed strongly from the bench for the last two weeks and we know when the time arrives he’ll provide us with good impact.”
The Tahs are aiming for the sixth straight win at home to complete an undefeated season in Sydney.
“It’s always been the case that if you can win all of your home games in a Super 14 season then you’ll be in with a good chance of making the finals and that goes on the line on Friday,” said Hickey.
“With the Hurricanes also in contention for the semis this match becomes vital for both teams and hopefully will attract a crowd worthy of such a big game.
15. Kurtley Beale , 14. Lachie Turner , 13. Rob Horne , 12. Tom Carter , 11. Drew Mitchell , 10. Berrick Barnes , 9. Luke Burgess , 8. Ben Mowen , 7. Phil Waugh [c] , 6. Patrick McCutcheon , 5. Kane Douglas , 4. Dean Mumm , 3. Al Baxter , 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau , 1. Dan Palmer
Reserves 16. Damien Fitzpatrick , 17. Jeremy Tilse , 18. Chris Thomson , 19. Dave Dennis , 20. Josh Holmes , 21. Daniel Halangahu , 22. Rory Sidey