Waratahs bench Tane Edmed for Lawson Creighton as Western Force recall Jeremy Williams
The Waratahs have made a bombshell selection for their crucial game against the Western Force, dropping a playmaker to the bench in favour of a new recruit. See the teams inside.
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The Waratahs have made a bombshell selection for their crucial game against the Western Force, dropping five-eighth Tane Edmed to the bench in favour of Queensland recruit Lawson Creighton.
Edmed started the first two games of the season, but 26-year-old Creighton will make his starting debut for NSW in Saturday night’s match.
“Lawson has worked really hard in rehab after arriving with a groin injury,” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said.
“He got back to full fitness, played well in the ‘A’ game against the Brumbies Runners (two weeks ago), and has trained really well the last couple of weeks.
“We feel he’s ready to start, and it’s a great opportunity for him.”
It’s one of three changes to NSW’s starting side from the team that defeated Fijian Drua last week; lock Miles Amatosero has been dropped from the 23-man squad, with Ben Grant elevated from the bench to start, while centre Joey Walton returns from injury to replace Lalakai Foketi, who is out with a groin strain.
Creighton will be one of three NSW Waratahs debutants this week, the others are lock Felix Kalapu and backrower Leafi Talataina on the bench.
Other changes to the the bench include prop Tom Lambert replacing Wallaby Isaac Kailea, and halfback Jack Grant in for Teddy Wilson.
“Ben Grant has been really good off the bench in the last couple of games and has had a strong pre-season,” McKellar said.
“He’s a good lineout operator, and given the Force’s defensive strengths in that area, we felt he deserved an opportunity to start.
“It’s great to have Joey back.
“Our medical and strength and conditioning staff have done a superb job to turn what could have been a longer-term injury into a short-term one.
“He’s been with us all pre-season and knows exactly how we want to play.
“He’ll bring strong communication and work ethic to the midfield.”
The Force have been bolstered by the return of Wallabies lock Jeremy Williams, who returns to the starting side as captain.
Wallabies hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa will make his Force starting debut, with rake Tom Horton on the bench.
Former Tah Will Harris also comes into the starting side at blindside flanker, with the re-signed Nick Champion de Crespigny reverting to number 8.
Centre Sio Tomkinson’s return sees Reesjan Pasitoa move to the bench, following his strong return to the starting line-up against the Reds after more than 1000 days between Super Rugby games due to injuries.
Fiji-born lock Josh Thompson, 24, has been named on the bench for his Super Rugby debut.
NSW Waratahs vs Western Force
Saturday, March 8, 7.35pm (AEDT), Allianz Stadium, Sydney
BRUMBIES coach Stephen Larkham has made five changes for his side’s clash against defending champions the Blues in Auckland on Friday night.
David Feliuai, who joined the club in the off-season from the Melbourne Rebels, is named at inside centre in what is set to be his first appearance for the club.
Lachlan Lonergan, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper and Harrison Goddard also come into the starting lineup following the 49-34 defeat to the Chiefs in round three, with Lonergan and Goddard making their first starts of the season.
“We know what to expect from the Blues, they are one of the best rugby teams in the world and last year’s competition winners,” Larkham said.
“They may have had a tough start to the competition, but they showed what they are capable of in last weekend’s win against the Hurricanes.
“It’s made a huge difference not to have to do two trips back and forth from Canberra. We spent a few days in Hamilton after the game on Saturday, so the boys were able to recover before making the short trip to Auckland yesterday.
“We’ve had more time to look into last weekend’s loss against the Chiefs and have given ourselves the best possible preparation for the Blues.”
Lonergan is set to win his 50th cap for the club at hooker, having made his debut against the Chiefs in Hamilton in 2020.
Hooper is recalled after graduating from the return to play protocol following the round two fixture against the Western Force, while Feliuai returns to action after dislocating his finger in a trial match against the Force last month.
Prop Feao Fotuaika also comes onto the bench after missing the previous two matches due to an ankle problem.
Blues vs ACT Brumbies
Friday, March 7, 5.35pm (AEDT)
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
QUEENSLAND Reds coach Les Kiss has shifted last week’s match-winner Filipo Daugunu from wing to centre to cover the injury loss of Josh Flook.
The Reds face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Sunday afternoon, but players and staff will nervously await news of the potential destruction caused by Cyclone Alfred in coming days.
“We have put a lot of emphasis on staying connected with family and friends in Queensland. Our thoughts are not just with them but everyone in Queensland,” Kiss said.
“The players are fairly good at compartmentalising so they switch on to the footy parts of the week but are making sure they are on top of things back home with time to contact loved ones.
“It’s a real life thing so safety is the priority.”
The Reds will encounter former playmaker James O’Connor, who will come off the bench for the Crusaders.
“We have a lot of respect for James. He’s a quality player and man,” Kiss said.
“Not everything runs in a straight line with rugby. James gave an enormous amount to Australian rugby and he’s exploring another avenue. He has ambitions to coach down the track as well and seeing a different environment will add to that.”
O’Connor is wary of his old club.
“They’re coming off two good wins, they’ll be full of confidence, and they’ll be coming here to do a job,” said O’Connor, who is relishing the fast-paced start to the season.
“Everyone is talking about how high scoring the competition is, it’s because they’re speeding the game up, there’s more fatigue out there, even for me as a goal kicker, I’m still getting my breath and I’m getting the 10-second call to kick the ball.
“I’m enjoying it, there’s more attacking pictures and for the fans it must be pretty cool to watch.”
Queensland Reds v Crusaders
Sunday, March 9, 1.35pm AEDT
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
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