The NSW Waratahs have named their team to face the Fijian Drua in Round 7 of the Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman has named two huge additions to his match-day 23, with Wallaby Captain Michael Hooper making his long-awaited return and Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco in line to play his first match of the season.
Michael Hooper has been named on the bench and is set to play his first match for the Waratahs since the last round of the 2020 Super Rugby AU competition against the Rebels.
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman was thrilled to have the World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year nominee back in sky-blue.
“Having Hoops back in the team is a massive boost for us,” Coleman said.
“Notwithstanding his playing ability and what he’ll add to the scoreboard but the professionalism and the way he carries himself has a real positive effect on the team.
“To have one of the best players in the world return is really exciting not just for us but for our fans and we can’t wait to see him on the field this weekend wearing the sky-blue.”
Angus Bell returns to the starting side after overcoming a back complaint that ruled him out at the last minute against the Reds and joins Harry Johnson-Holmes and Dave Porecki in the front row.
Jed Holloway returns to the starting XV and will captain the side from the second row alongside Geoff Cridge.
Hugh Sinclair reverts to the back row joining Charlie Gamble and the Waratah’s 2022 leading try-scorer Will Harris (4).
Jack Grant fresh off scoring his first try for the Waratahs last weekend continues his halves partnership with Tane Edmed.
Lalakai Foketi is set to play his 50th Super Rugby match for the Waratahs and joins Izaia Perese in the midfield.
Alex Newsome returns to fullback in the absence of Will Harrison (quad) with Dylan Pietsch recalled to the starting side alongside Mark Nawawanitawase on the wings.
WARATAHS 23 TO FACE THE DRUA
1 Angus Bell (Sydney Uni/ Hunters Hill/ Newington College)
2 David Porecki (Manly/ Manly Roos/ Redlands)
3 Harry Johnson-Holmes (Sydney Uni/ Cowra Eagles/ Merewether High School)
4 Jed Holloway (Southern Districts/ Yamba Buccaneers/ Waverley College)
5 Geoffrey Cridge (West Harbour/ Darfield Rugby Club/ Christchurch Boys High)
6 Hugh Sinclair (Northern Suburbs/ Lindfield/ S.H.O.R.E)
7 Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs/ Saracens/ St Bede’s College)
8 Will Harris (Eastern Suburbs/ Hunters Hill/ Scots College)
9 Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs/ Orange City Lions/ St Ignatius College)
10 Tane Edmed (Eastwood/ Trinity Grammar)
11 Dylan Pietsch (Randwick/ Leeton Phantoms/ Kings School)
12 Lalakai Foketi (Manly/ Manly Roos/ Kings School)
13 Izaia Perese (Randwick/ Aspley State School/ Anglican Church Grammar)
14 Mark Nawaqanitawase (Eastwood/ St Patrick’s College)
15 Alex Newsome (Eastern Suburbs/ Glen Innes Elks/ St Joseph’s College)
Replacements:
16 Tom Horton (Sydney Uni/ Mosman Whales/ St Joseph’s College)
17 Te Tera Faulkner (Southern Districts/ Moorabin Rams/ Marist College Canberra)
18 Archer Holz (Eastern Suburbs/ Kings School)
19 Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco (Southern Districts/ Endeavour Sports High)
20 Michael Hooper (Manly/ Manly Roos/ St Pius College)
21 Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs/ Kings School)
22 Jamie Roberts (CRICC/ Rumney RFC/ Ysgol Glantaf)
23 Triston Reilly (Randwick/ Kempsey Cannonballs/ St Joseph’s College)
MATCH DETAILS
NSW Waratahs v Fijian Drua Friday 1 April – CBUS Super Stadium, Robina Kick-off 19:45 Live exclusively on Stan Sport
