Experience added to NSW Waratahs team for second trial against the Chiefs

Feb 11 • General News, Super Rugby • 1211 Views • Comments Off on Experience added to NSW Waratahs team for second trial against the Chiefs

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Head Coach, Daryl Gibson has made a number of changes to the NSW Waratahs team to face the Chiefs in their second pre-season trial in New Zealand tomorrow.

Following last weekend’s last gasp 21-17 win over the Brumbies, Gibson has injected a few more of his experienced players into the squad for the encounter.

Nick Phipps, Kurtley Beale and Rob Horne have been brought into the starting 15, together with Matt Carraro, who moves to the left wing.

As one of many young players who stepped up last week, David Horwitz retains the number 12 jersey, while standouts Reece Robinson and Zac Guildford will keep their positions at right wing and fullback respectively.

Amongst the forwards, Captain Michael Hooper, Dean Mumm and Tatafu Polota-Nau have been added to the squad. Joining them in the starting fold is prop, Angus Ta’avao who scored the last minute winning try that helped seal the game for the Waratahs in Wagga Wagga.

Hard-hitting young gun, Jack Dempsey replaces Dave Dennis who is still recovering from concussion symptoms suffered in the opening minutes of the match against the Brumbies last Saturday.

Number eight, Jed Holloway has also been left out of the line-up after suffering similar symptoms following the game, making way for former Australian Sevens representative, Brad Wilkin.

Gibson said he was keen to trial some new combinations against quality opposition.

“Away games are obviously a bit tougher, but the trip to New Zealand will only stand us in good stead.

“Being in each other’s company for 10 days touring together will also provide a good opportunity to grow the bonds between us.”

The team to take on the Chiefs travel to New Zealand today ahead of the game at Rotorua international Stadium, tomorrow Friday 12th February at 2:00pm AEDT. Bernard Foley, Israel Folau and Sam Lousi will join the touring squad in New Zealand following the match.

The NSW Waratahs team to take on the Chiefs this Friday at Rotorua International Stadium is below:

1. Jeremy Tilse
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Dean Mumm
5. Will Skelton
6. Jack Dempsey
7. Michael Hooper (C)
8. Brad Wilkin
9. Nick Phipps
10. Kurtley Beale
11. Matt Carraro
12. David Horwitz
13. Rob Horne
14. Reece Robinson
15. Zac Guildford
Reserves
16. Tolu Latu
17. Benn Robinson
18. Paddy Ryan
19. Senio Toleafoa
20. Ned Hanigan
21. Matt Lucas
22. Bryce Hegarty
23. Andrew Kellaway
24. Jake Gordon
25. Harry Jones
28. Hugh Roach
29. Matt Sandell