The return of scrum-half Nick Phipps to the starting XV is the only change to the Waratahs’ run-on team that will take on the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday in the penultimate Super Rugby match before the June break.
Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has also named rookie back-row Brad Wilkin on the bench, alongside veteran prop Paddy Ryan.
Gibson said Wilkin’s selection was reward for the 23-year-old’s hard work.
“Brad is a guy who consistently contributes at training, working away and it’s a great opportunity for him. We can’t get through this tournament without the whole squad contributing and this is his chance,” Gibson said.
In the Chiefs, the NSW Waratahs face an opponent known for their physicality.
“That’s what we are expecting again this weekend. The way they play the game, they are strong in contact and at the breakdown. They are also good with ball in hand from loose play so we cannot afford to be loose in any way.”
“It is no secret that we like to play positive rugby with the ball in hand, that’s a combination of what we have been doing at training. At the same time, we are really trying to tighten up our turnovers because with adventure comes mistakes.”
Gibson said the challenge for the team this weekend is to continue the momentum from last week’s win against the Highlanders.
“Our performance last week was pleasing, and on par with what we were projecting. This weekend we want an even more improved performance because consistency is important.”
Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Cam Clark, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Will Miller, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Jed Holloway, 20 Brad Wilkin, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Bryce Hegarty
Date: Saturday, May 26
Venue: Waikato Stadium
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Angus Mabey (New Zealand), Cam Stone (New Zealand)
Television match official: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
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