NSW Waratahs star Bernard Foley fails concussion test, ruled out of Super Rugby showdown against Lions

WARATAHS playmaker Bernard Foley has been ruled out of this weekend’s match against the Lions after failing a concussion protocol test on Thursday.

WARATAHS playmaker Bernard Foley has been ruled out of this weekend’s match against the Lions after failing a concussion protocol test on Thursday.

It is the second consecutive week the Wallabies five-eighth has been kept sidelined after taking a knock in the trial against the Highlanders a fortnight ago, and means NSW will field the same 23 in Johannesburg that defeated Western Force last weekend with Bryce Hegarty to steer the side from No.10.

Foley had trained with the squad all week but was withdrawn from the match after a mandatory test on Thursday morning South African time.

It is a major blow for NSW as they attempt to upset last year’s grand finalists.

“Bernard had progressed well through the return to play stages early in the week, to the point where he had taken part in non-contact training,’’ Tahs coach Daryl Gibson said.

But after assessing him this morning we felt he was not quite 100 per cent so it would be best to give him another week.”

After the snoozefest of last weekend, the Waratahs believe their looming clash against will feature the razzle dazzle rugby fans are hoping for.

Incessant rain in Sydney last Saturday turned the NSW-Force match into a kick-filled, error-riddled affair that featured just two tries.

But dry and warm conditions are expected at Ellis Park at kick-off, giving Gibson hope that plenty of running rugby will be on the menu.

Waratahs playmaker Bernard Foley will miss the match agains the Lions in Johannesburg after he failed a concussion test.

“The Lions are a team that like to play very positive, use the ball they run hard and very direct,” Gibson said.

“That style of play won them through to the final last year, they’re a very strong team.

“We’re looking forward to playing a style we want to embrace, and be part of an excellent game.

“There was a fair bit of frustration last weekend, the boys felt like they didn’t really get into the game.

“We’re looking forward to a good, dry track.”

Hegarty will take on Springboks five-eighth Elton Jantjes, who was a star for the Lions last year in their charge to their maiden decider, which they lost the Hurricanes.

Jantjes can be an erratic player but Gibson said it would be tough to target him because he stands so deep in attack.

“In terms of tactics trying to get to him is very difficult,” Gibson said.

Hooker Tolu Latu, who starred in last weekend’s win over the Force, was among a number of Waratahs players who visited Nelson Mandela’s old home this week.

“It was a great experience, just seeing the area he was from, to get there to his house was pretty cool, the history behind his house was interesting,” Latu said.

Lions vs. Waratahs

Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Sunday 12.05am (AEST)

Live on Fox Sports

WARATAHS: 15. Andrew Kellaway 14. Reece Robinson 13. Israel Folau 12. Irae Simone 11. Rob Horne 10. Bryce Hegarty 9. Nick Phipps 8. Michael Wells 7. Michael Hooper (captain) 6. Jack Dempsey 5. Will Skelton 4. Dean Mumm 3. Sekope Kepu 2. Tolu Latu 1. Tom Robertson.

R eserves: 16. Hugh Roach 17. Paddy Ryan 18. David Lolohea 19. David McDuling 20. Brad Wilkin 21. Matt Lucas 22. David Horwitz 23. Taqele Naiyaravoro.

Originally published as NSW Waratahs star Bernard Foley fails concussion test, ruled out of Super Rugby showdown against Lions