No Michael Hooper as Waratahs name team for Blues clash

The NSW Waratahs will field an under-strength line-up for their daunting trip to Auckland to face the Blues, with Test flanker Michael Hooper among those sidelined for the Super Rugby Pacific clash.

Coach Darren Coleman has brought in six new faces to the starting XV that outplayed the Western Force last round while adding three potential debutants on the bench.

The Waratahs are without several Wallabies due to national resting protocols including Hooper, centre Lalakai Foketi and strike winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, while hooker Dave Porecki and lock Ned Hanigan are out after sustaining head knocks.

Hunter Ward, 24, will make his starting debut in the No.7 jumper, chosen ahead of Charlie Gamble to replace Hooper.

Ward made his competition debut off the bench against the Brumbies early this season and will join Taleni Seu and No.8 Will Harris in a new-look backrow with Lachie Swinton missing through suspension.

Among the other new faces Mahe Vailanu replaces Porecki at hooker, while Zac Von Appen will also have his first start, partnering Jed Holloway in the second row.

Joey Walton will run on at inside-centre, in place of Foketi, while Harry Wilson gets his first crack in a starting jersey at fullback.

Wilson is the son of former Test flanker David Wilson, while his brother Teddy is the reserve halfback.

Samoan Test prop Nephi Leatigaga, who joined the side on an injury cover contract from the Leicester Tigers, could make his Super debut from the bench along with Australian U20s five-eighth Jack Bowen, son of another former Wallaby Scott Bowen, and backrower Michael Icely.

Coleman said beating the fifth-ranked Blues at home was a huge task.

“It’s a massive challenge for us this weekend playing the Blues in Auckland, we haven’t won there since 2009, so we’re cognisant of that fact but it’s going to be a fight we’re well up for,” Coleman said.

“It’s great to see Zac Von Appen, Harry Wilson and Hunter Ward get their starting debuts as all three have put in a lot of work to be in this position.”

Waratahs: Tom Lambert, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Zac Von Appen, Taleni Seu, Hunter Ward, Will Harris, Jake Gordon, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Max Jorgensen, Harry Wilson. Reserves: Tolu Latu, Nephi Leatigaga, Daniel Botha, Michael Icely, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Mosese Tuipulpotu.