NSW Waratahs team announced for third and final trial against the Highlanders

Feb 18 • General News, Super Rugby • 1059 Views • Comments Off on NSW Waratahs team announced for third and final trial against the Highlanders

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Head Coach Daryl Gibson and his coaching staff have made six changes to the team for the NSW Waratahs’ third and final pre-season trial against the Highlanders tomorrow in Queenstown.

Israel Folau will return to the field as fullback in what will be his first match since injuring his ankle during last year’s Rugby World Cup.

After a standout performance in last week’s trial against the Chiefs, Andrew Kellaway has been handed an opportunity on the left wing, while the rest of the backline remains the same.

Paddy Ryan will be trialled as loosehead prop this week, with Gibson keen to witness his ability in covering both sides of the scrum.

This week’s team also sees the reintroduction of Sam Lousi as lock having impressed across pre-season training.

Dave Dennis and Jed Holloway also make their way back into the side as flanker and number eight respectively.

Returning to Australian shores from his stint in Japan, Bernard Foley will re-join his Waratahs teammates for the first time this season on the bench.

The reserves list once again features a range of powerful impact options this week with the likes of Zac Guildford, Bryce Hegarty, Matt Carraro, Will Skelton, Benn Robinson and Tolu Latu.

Gibson said he was still trialling different combinations as competition heats up ahead of Super Rugby round one next week.
“This will be the last opportunity for players to push for selection ahead of the season,” Gibson said.

“There has been a distinct change in attitude as the season grows nearer. We have shifted our focus, correcting our off-field components in order to benefit what we do on the field.

“The Highlanders are the reigning Super Rugby champions and are therefore the perfect opposition for us in our final trial.”

The team will kick off their 2016 Super Rugby campaign on Saturday 27th February at Allianz Stadium against the Queensland Reds. Tickets are available now at www.ticketek.com.au/waratahs.

The NSW Waratahs team to face the Highlanders in their third and final pre-season trial tomorrow, Friday 19th February at 4:00pm AEDT in Queenstown is below. Please note the match will not be live streamed.

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