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Three Wallabies rested for Waratahs' 'important' clash with Fijian Drua
By Finn Morton
Coach Dan McKellar has rotated a trio of Wallabies out of the NSW Waratahs’ 23 ahead of this weekend’s clash against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka. Following last week’s stunning upset win over the Chiefs, Angus Bell, Rob Leota and Taniela Tupou drop out of the side.
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These three changes are due to the national rotation policy. Bell and Leota were both part of the starting side in round nine against the Chiefs, while Tupou was once again called upon to come off the bench in the 21-14 win over the then-ladder-leading Chiefs.
The absence of Bell and Leota are two of the three personnel changes to the First XV before the fixture against the Drua. Leafi Talataina has also been promoted to the run-on side, while backrower Langi Gleeson will look to provide impact off the pine.
Wallaby Isaac Kailea will debut in the Waratahs’ run-on side at loosehead prop in place of Bell, with Ethan Dobbins at hooker and tighthead Daniel Botha both retained in the First XV after both impressing last time out.
The locks remain the same with captain Hugh Sinclair and Ben Grant. In the backrow, Englishman Jamie Adamson shifts from openside to blindside flanker, which allows for Charlie Gamble to return from illness.
Wallaby Tane Edmed also returns on the bench with the Tahs going with a 5-3 split.
“With the management of Wallaby players of national interest, Belly, Leota and Tupou rotate out this week,” McKellar explained.
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“Bell and Leota have had heavy workloads, but that provides more opportunity for Isaac Kailea, Tom Lambert, Leafi Talataina, Dan Botha and Siosifa Amone.
“From my end, this doesn’t weaken our team at all. It provides opportunity, excitement and real enthusiasm… and I know those boys will provide it.”
Coach McKellar has selected Teddy Wilson and Lawson Creighton in the halves, while Joey Walton and Lalakai Foketi will link up in the midfield. Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are the outside backs.
After nine rounds, the Waratahs sit in fifth spot on the standings, with an unbeaten run at home holding them in good stead so far. But, as McKellar insisted, winning away from home is crucial for the Waratahs – but up until this point, “we haven’t been good enough away from home.”
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The Waratahs beat the Drua in a thriller in round two, but McKellar is anticipating a different challenge from a team who have a formidable winning percentage at home. It’s a crucial match for the Drua too, who currently sit last on the ladder.
“This is an important game for us leading into the bye week, and fleshing up and the group with selection was part of that,” McKellar said.
“We are also going to a great rugby nation, an environment where they will respect and support the Drua.
“But one thing we all love about the Fijians is that they respect good rugby and good rugby in teams. We are excited about showing that.
“The Drua at home – as we have proven ourselves – are a completely different team.
“It’s an opportunity for us to win away from home. The reality is, we haven’t been good enough away from home. This is a huge opportunity for us.”
This match at Lautoka’s Churchill Park will get underway at 12:05 pm AEST on Saturday.
NSW Waratahs to take on Fijian Drua
1. Loosehead Prop Isaac Kailea (Sydney University)*
2. Hooker Ethan Dobbins (Sydney University)
3. Tighthead Prop Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
4. Left Lock Hugh Sinclair (C) (Northern Suburbs)
5. Right Lock Ben Grant (Sydney University)
6. Left Flanker Jamie Adamson(Eastern Suburbs)
7. Right Flanker Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)
8. Number Eight Leafi Talataina (Sydney University)
9. Scrumhalf Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
10. Flyhalf Lawson Creighton (Randwick)
11. Left Wing Triston Reilly (Randwick)
12. Inside Centre Joey Walton (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre Lalakai Foketi (Manly)
14. Right Wing Andrew Kellaway (Eastern Suburbs)
15. Fullback Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements
16. Reserve Julian Heaven (Eastern Suburbs)
17. Reserve Tom Lambert (Sydney University)
18. Reserve Siosifa Amone (Northern Suburbs)
19. Reserve Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)
20. Reserve Langi Gleeson (Manly)
21. Reserve Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Reserve Tane Edmed (Eastwood)
23. Reserve Henry O’Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
*Denotes first selection in starting team
Players Unavailable for selection
- Max Jorgensen (syndesmosis)
- Jake Gordon (medial ligament)
- Mahe Vailanu (broken arm)
- Dave Porecki (calf)
- Fergus Lee-Warner (foot)
- Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
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