The Waratahs have named a 24-man squad ahead of Saturday’s round six clash with the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium which includes captain Phil Waugh.
Waugh (biceps) and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (knee) are both on the comeback from injury and have been named in the squad for the Tahs’ third all-Australian match of the season.
Benn Robinson is the only player from last week’s team missing from the squad after being ruled out with a rib injury. Jeremy Tilse takes Robinson’s in the squad.
The squad boasts three hookers and five backrowers with head coach Chris Hickey ensuring there is adequate cover for both of his returning stars.
“Whenever you have players returning from injury you make sure you are sufficiently covered and that has been factored into naming the 24 players who will travel with us to Canberra on Friday,” said Hickey.
“Phil and Tatafu are both world class players and I know how much they both look forward to the challenge presented by matches such as this.
“Circumstances of the past few weeks make this a significant match for both sides and we’re preparing for it accordingly.
“It’s a blow to be missing Benn this week, however at the end of last season Jeremy Tilse performed extremely well for us. He’s continued to perform well for the Junior Waratahs and we know he’ll be up to the task this weekend.”
A further 22 players will also make the trip to Canberra to take part in the Junior Waratahs curtain raiser against the Brumby Runners.
The Junior Tahs squad features four players with Super Rugby experience (Pat O’Connor, Josh Holmes, Chris Alcock, Ben Batger) and two more from the Waratahs Super Rugby squad (Paddy Ryan and Tom Kingston).
Players named in the Waratahs squad who are not required for the Super Rugby clash with the Brumbies will be made available for the Junior Waratahs.
Waratahs
Berrick Barnes , Al Baxter , Kurtley Beale , Luke Burgess , Tom Carter , Ryan Cross , Dave Dennis , Kane Douglas , Damien Fitzpatrick , Daniel Halangahu , Sekope Kepu , Pat McCutcheon , Brendan McKibbin , Drew Mitchell , Ben Mowen , Dean Mumm , Atieli Pakalani , Wycliff Palu , Tatafu Polota-Nau , Jeremy Tilse , Sitaleki Timani , Lachie Turner , John Ulugia , Phil Waugh [c].