Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman has made three changes to his starting XV that narrowly lost to the Chiefs last weekend at Allianz Stadium.
In a huge boost to the side, the Waratahs welcome back strike backs Max Jorgensen and Lalakai Foketi into the starting side.
Jorgensen has made a blistering start to his professional rugby career, scoring four tries already this season, and became the first Waratah to score a try in each of his first three Super Rugby matches.
Both players have overcome shoulder complaints suffered against the Hurricanes in round four in Wellington.
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman said: “It’s really positive for us that we can welcome Max and Lalakai back, they’ve been two of our most dangerous players in
“We’re also happy to name, for one of the first times this season, a stable and consistent team this week, which we will need against a well organised Brumbies team.
“We understand the enormity of the challenge but know that if we can get a result, it will erase some of the disappointments of the last few weeks pretty quickly.”
The front-row remains unchanged with Te Tera Faulkner named at loosehead prop, joining David Porecki and Harry Johnson-Holmes in an all-Wallaby front row. Dave Porecki led the defensive efforts for the Waratahs last week, making a team high 19 tackles against the Chiefs.
Jed Holloway has been immense for the Waratahs at set piece, leading the competition in lineout steals, and partners Ned Hanigan in the second row.
Taleni Seu replaces Lachlan Swinton at blindside flanker and joins Michael Hooper and Will Harris in the backrow.
Jake Gordon, who re-signed with the team earlier in the week, looks to build his partnership with Wallaby teammate Ben Donaldson in the halves.
Lalakai Foketi returns to inside centre partnering Izaia Perese in the midfield with Joey Walton reverting to the bench.
Marl Nawaqanitawse, who leads the team in carries (49), run metres (383) and tackle breaks (17) joins Dylan Pietsch on the wing, with Max Jorgensen replacing Ben Dowling at fullback.
Darren Coleman has again gone with a traditional five-three split for his finishers, with Hunter Ward set to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench.
After a dominant Shute Shield campaign for Manly in 2022, Hunter Ward was invited to join the Waratahs for the 2023 pre-season. The St Stanislaus College product and Orange City Lions junior has also been a strong performer in the Waratahs A program and will look to provide plenty of impact off the bench.
WARATAHS TEAM TO TAKE ON THE BRUMBIES
1 Te Tera Faulkner (Southern Districts/ Moorabin Rams/ Marist College Canberra) 2 Dave 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 Ned Hanigan (Randwick/ Coonamble Rams/ St Joseph’s College) 6 Taleni Seu (Southern Districts/ Grammar Tech/ Onehunga High School) 7 Michael Hooper (Manly/ Manly Roos/ St Pius X College) 8 Will Harris (Eastern Suburbs/ Hunters Hill Juniors/ Scots College) 9 Jake Gordon © (Sydney Uni/ Canterbury/ Blackwattle Bay) 10 Ben Donaldson (Randwick/ Clovelly Eagles/ Waverly College) 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 Max Jorgensen (Randwick/ Balmain Juniors/ St Joseph’s College) Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu (Western Sydney/ Canterbury Juniors/ South Sydney High School) 17 Tom Lambert (Sydney Uni/ Wests Juniors/ Trinity Grammar) 18 Daniel Botha (Sydney Uni/ Mosman/ Scots College) 19 Zac Von Appen (Sydney Uni/ Harbord Harlequins/ St Augustine’s College) 20 Hunter Ward (Manly/ Orange City Lions/ St Stanislaus College) 21 Harrison Goddard (Gordon/ Dural/ Oakhill College) 22 Joey Walton (Gordon/ Warnervale Wildcats/ Wadalba High School) 23 Harry Wilson (Eastwood/ Harbord Harlequins/ St Augustine’s College)
Players unavailable for selection: Angus Bell – Toe (Season) Archer Holz – Ribs (Round 8+) Charlie Gamble – Shoulder (Round 9+) Hugh Sinclair – Shoulder (Round 8+) Lachie Swinton – Neck (Round 8) Langi Gleeson – Calf (Round 8+) Mahe Vailanu – Knee (Round 8+) Mosese Tuipulotu – Knee (Round 8+) Tane Edmed – Back (Round 8+) Tiaan Tauakipulu – Knee (Round 8+) Will Harrison - Toe (Round 8)
Players Available for Shute Shield Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs) Sateki Latu (Warringah) Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs) Zane Marolt (Eastern Suburbs)
