Taniela Tupou’s new role as Waratahs name team for Moana Pasifika

Wallaby Taniela Tupou will provide impact off the bench for the NSW Waratahs this weekend with coach Dan McKellar naming Dan Botha in the run-on side instead. McKellar has made seven changes to the First XV to play Moana Pasifika, including the return of Hugh Sinclair.

After last week’s one-sided loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington, the Waratahs have named a well-balanced squad to play a Moana side that’s full of confidence. In round seven, Tana Umaga’s side made history with their first-ever win over the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble and Rob Leota will once again form their experienced loose forwards trio, while former Hurricane Ben Grant continues to pack down as one of the two starting second-rowers.

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Grant will be joined by captain Sinclair who is back in the mix for the first time since last month’s thrilling win over the ACT Brumbies in Sydney. Rounding out the starting pack are props Angus Bell and Botha, while Ethan Dobbins starts at hooker.

Tupou started all six appearances for the Tahs before this match.

“We believe Dan [Botha] will provide a solid set-piece foundation and physicality to start the game,” McKellar said in a statement.

“Then we have the luxury of bringing in a player like Taniela Tupou in the final 30 minutes to make a big impact.

“I had a good conversation with Taniela about this selection,” he added.

“He understands that he has a massive role to play when he comes on, bringing energy, power, and leadership in that crucial final period.”

As part of the changes McKellar has made, the Tahs have welcomed back four key backs for this round eight clash at North Harbour Stadium. Triston Reilly is back on the left wing after missing the Hurricanes clash with a shoulder injury.

Wallaby Lalakai Foketi has been named at inside centre for the first time this season, while Joey Walton drops to the bench. Henry O’Donnell will also line up at outside centre, and Andrew Kellaway has been named on the right wing in place of Darby Lancaster.

The other starting backs are Teddy Wilson at scrum-half, Lawson Creighton at fly-half, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the No. 15 jersey. Lancaster and Max Jorgensen are among the players who are unavailable for this match.

“Joseph is a natural athlete with great vision and a strong defensive game,” McKellar explained.

“He can provide the stability and counter-attacking ability we need at fullback, particularly against a team that likes to play expansively like Moana Pasifika.”

This match at North Harbour Stadium will kick off at 12:05 pm AEDT on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

Last 4 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

31

23

First try wins

25%

Home team wins

50%

Waratahs team to take on Moana Pasifika

1. Loosehead Prop                          Angus Bell (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                                  Rob Leota (Eastern Suburbs)
7. Right Flanker                               Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)
8. Number Eight                               Langi Gleeson (Manly)
9. Scrumhalf                                    Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
10. Flyhalf                                        Lawson Creighton (Randwick)
11. Left Wing                                   Triston Reilly (Randwick)
12. Inside Centre                             Lalakai Foketi (Manly)
13. Outside Centre                          Henry O’Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
14. Right Wing                                Andrew Kellaway (Eastern Suburbs)
15. Fullback                                    Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements
16. Reserve                                     Julian Heaven (Eastern Suburbs)
17. Reserve                                     Isaac Kailea (Randwick)
18. Reserve                                     Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)
19. Reserve                                     Felix Kalapu (Northern Suburbs)
20. Reserve                                     Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
21. Reserve                                     Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Reserve                                     Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs)
23. Reserve                                     Joey Walton (Gordon)