Mack Mason will not be fazed on debut by Crusaders, says NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson

MACK Mason has been thrown in the hot seat, having to debut against Super Rugby’s best team, but the Tahs say the youngster will be cool under pressure.

Waratahs debutant Mack Mason has an old head on young shoulders

THE Crusaders have named their strongest possible side but Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson says his debutant playmaker Mack Mason won’t be rattled by Super Rugby juggernauts.

The 20-year-old Mason will make his top grade debut at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon against the leaders of the competition after Bernard Foley was ruled out with ongoing concussion issues.

With the Crusaders bringing back one of their best performers, No. 8 Whetu Douglas, and All Black prop Joe Moody after resting them last week, while returning Scott Barrett to lock to partner captain Sam Whitelock, the Kiwi side has signalled their intention to leave Sydney with maximum points.

And those four big boppers will be looking for 86kg Mason each time they charge up the middle of the field or when he is set to receive the ball.

Mack Mason and the Waratahs have had a solid week in training.

But Gibson says Mason’s immense composure will ensure he shines in the hot seat.

“He’s very calm, takes everything in his stride and that’s probably the quality that I really like in him,” Gibson said.

“He’s certainly not overawed in bossing the game and telling senior pros exactly where they need to be.

“That’s a neat quality to have in somebody so young and I think he’s got an excellent young skill set and it’ll be exciting to see him go.

“I certainly think we’re a good chance [against the Crusaders], I know our boys have had a good preparation, really put in this week, we’re determined to put in a good showing on Sunday.”

Former Wallabies winger Digby Ioane retains his position in the backline and will go head-to-head with Andrew Kellaway.

Bernard Foley will sit out the Crusaders match due to concussion.

With Rob Horne also ruled out with a hamstring injury, Israel Folau has returned to outside centre while former Sevens star Cam Clark gets his first start for NSW at fullback in yet another rejigged backline.

Gibson has fielded the same backline in successive games only once this season due to injuries, and the Mason-led version will be hoping to match the second 40 minutes of last weekend’s sensational comeback win over Melbourne.

That victory was championed by Foley, who was playing his first match of the year after being concussed in a trial match, and the return of his symptoms is concerning.

“The number one thing is Bernard’s welfare and we certainly don’t want to put a player out there who’s not ready,” Gibson said.

“He’s desperate to get out and play and contribute to the team, so right now that’s really frustrating for him and so he’s continuing to train and one day he’ll wake up and feel really good and be ready to play.”

Mason has the firm backing of his club coach Daryl Gibson.

Foley said he is “not really worried” about his long-term future in the game.

“It’s been a frustrating week, in terms of symptoms just re-occurring (but) nothing to do with the game last week,” Foley told Sky Sports Radio on Friday.

“It’s just sort of come back after the game.

“It’s a tough one. Ultimately, I think it is just time. With the nature of head knocks and concussion, no one really knows.

“It is just time and you know when you feel right, when you’re back to normal.

“Hopefully it’s something that’ll clear up in the near future.”

WARATAHS: 15. Cam Clark 14. Reece Robinson 13. Israel Folau 12. David Horwitz 11. Andrew Kellaway 10. Mack Mason 9. Jake Gordon 8. Jed Holloway 7. Michael Hooper (captain) 6. Ned Hanigan 5. Will Skelton 4. Dean Mumm 3. Sekope Kepu 2. Tolu Latu 1. Tom Robertson.

Reserves: 16. Damien Fitzpatrick 17. Paddy Ryan 18. David Lolohea 19. David McDuling 20. Michael Wells 21. Nick Phipps 22. Irae Simone 23. Taqele Naiyaravoro.

CRUSADERS: 15. David Havili 14. Digby Ioane 13. Tim Bateman 12. Ryan Crotty 11. George Bridge 10. Mitchell Hunt 9. Mitchell Drummond 8. Whetu Douglas 7. Matt Todd 6. Jordan Taufua 5. Sam Whitelock (captain) 4. Scott Barrett 3. Owen Franks 2. Codie Taylor 1. Joe Moody.

Reserves: 16. Ben Funnell 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Michael Alaalatoa 19. Luke Romano 20. Pete Samu 21. Bryn Hall 22. Marty McKenzie 23. Manasa Mataele.