The NSW Waratahs have named their team to face our traditional rivals, the Queensland Reds, in Round 1 of the Super Rugby Pacific this Saturday at 8:05pm AEDT at Suncorp Stadium.
Despite a string of minor injuries, Head Coach Darren Coleman has named a strong side for the opening round, which could see up to five players make their debuts for the Waratahs.
Miles Amatosero and Fergus Lee-Warner have been selected to start in the forward pack, while Theo Fourie, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, and Sam Thomson have been named on the bench.
After getting through 40 minutes in his return from injury in the trial against the Warringah Rats and the Manly Marlins last weekend, Max Jorgensen will be eased into Round 1 from the interchange bench, with the versatile Joey Walton to start at fullback.
Izaia Perese made a successful return in last week's trial after missing the previous fixture against the Reds with an ankle complaint and is raring to go against his former side.
“The good thing about trials is that you can really try and work on the basics and not give away too much,” Perese said.
“Now that it’s Round 1, we’ve got a clean slate and we’re looking to showcase what we can bring.
“I think we’ll be able to go up there and do a job this weekend.
“Being a Queenslander and playing for the Tahs as well, I’m very fortunate to have played on both sides.
“It’s pretty funny, I know the feeling on both ends. I know how they’re going to be coming into the game and we’ve just got to match it.”
Position
1. Loosehead Prop
2. Hooker
3. Tighthead Prop
4. Left Lock
5. Right Lock
6. Left Flanker
7. Right Flanker
8. Number 8
9. Scrumhalf
10. Flyhalf
11. Left Wing
12. Inside Centre
13. Outside Centre
14. Right Wing
15. Fullback
16. Reserve
17. Reserve
18. Reserve
19. Reserve
20. Reserve
21. Reserve
22. Reserve
23. Reserve
Name
Angus Bell (Sydney University)
Mahe Vailanu (Gordon)
Harry Johnson-Holmes (Sydney University)
Jed Holloway (Southern Districts)
Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs) *
Fergus Lee-Warner (Eastern Suburbs) *
Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)
Langi Gleeson (Manly)
Jake Gordon © (Sydney University)
Tane Edmed (Eastwood)
Dylan Pietsch (Randwick)
Lalakai Foketi (Manly)
Izaia Perese (Randwick)
Mark Nawaqanitawase (Eastwood)
Joey Walton (Gordon)
Theo Fourie (Randwick) **
Hayden Thompson-Stringer (Manly) **
Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
Sam Thomson (Warringah) **
Hugh Sinclair (Northern Suburbs)
Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
Harry Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
Max Jorgensen (Randwick)
*Denotes debut. **Denotes potential debut.
Players unavailable for selection:
- David Porecki - Achillies (Round 3-4)
- Ned Hanigan - Hamstring (Round 2-3)
- Will Harrison - Knee (Round 3)
- Thomas Lambert - Knee (Season)
- Archer Holz - Shoulder (Round 8-9)
- Tom Ross - Calf (Round 2-3)
- Mesu Kunavula – Knee (Season)
- Sione Misiloi – Suspension (1 week)
- Lachlan Swinton - Neck (Round 2+)
- Triston Reilly - Ankle (Round 2-3)
- Ned Slack-Smith - Neck (Round 2-3)
Match Details
Super Rugby Pacific - Round 1: NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds.
Saturday February 24 at Suncorp Stadium.
Kick-off 6:30pm AEDT.
The match will be broadcast live on Stan Sport and also on Channel 9 in Sydney and Brisbane, and 9 Gem in all other markets.
