WATCH MATCH STREAM
The NSW Waratahs have named their starting XV for their opening pre-season hit out of 2020, as they take on the Highlanders at Leichhardt Oval on Friday night, ramping up preparations for the Vodafone Super Rugby season.
The first of two competitive pre-season fixtures, Friday’s game also sees the continuation of a pre-season tradition dating back to 2014, as both sides face off for the Sir Henry Braddon Cup – currently held by the Highlanders.
Having played in the first ever All Blacks team in 1884, Braddon also went on to play for New South Wales from 1888-1892.
He was captain of New South Wales in 1892 and following his playing career, served as NSW Rugby Union President.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach, Rob Penney has opted to rest his Wallaby contingent, with Michael Hooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Simmons, Jack Dempsey and Jack Maddocks all continuing to train ahead of a trip to Dalby to face the Reds next week.
New recruit Tepai Moeroa (illness) and Ned Hanigan are both unavailable.
NSW Waratahs starting XV:
Player Position
1.Tom Robertson LOOSEHEAD PROP
2. Robbie Abel HOOKER
3. Harry Johnson-Holmes TIGHTHEAD PROP
4. Ryan McCauley LEFT LOCK
5. Tom Staniforth RIGHT LOCK
6. Lachlan Swinton LEFT FLANKER
7. Charlie Gamble RIGHT FLANKER
8. Jed Holloway NUMBER EIGHT
9. Jake Gordon SCRUMHALF
10. Mack Mason FLYHALF
11. Alex Newsome LEFT WING
12. Karmichael Hunt INSIDE CENTRE
13. Lalakai Foketi OUTSIDE CENTRE
14. Cam Clark RIGHT WING
15. Mark Nawaqanitawase FULLBACK
Reserves (forwards):
Damien Fitzpatrick, Tetera Faulkner, Pat Tafa, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Rory O’Connor, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Angus Bell, Andrew Tuala, Chris Talakai.
Reserves (backs):
James Ramm, Joey Walton, Mitch Short, Will Harrison, Ben Donaldson, Triston Reilly, Michael McDonald.
Vodafone Super Rugby pre-season
NSW Waratahs v Highlanders
Friday 17 January
Kick off: 6.45pm
Leichhardt Oval