Super Rugby teams: Waratahs recall Taniela Tupou for must-win Western Force clash

As their skipper prepares to make history, the Waratahs have turned to a player outcast since the early rounds in an effort to save their Super Rugby campaign.

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has turned back to inconsistent prop Taniela Tupou as they try to miraculously save their season this weekend against Western Force.

Tupou was dropped earlier this year due to his errant form, and has played off the bench since week eight.

But in their must-win match in Perth on Saturday, he returns as starting tighthead prop in what will be a crucial game for his chances to start for the Wallabies in the British & Irish Lions series.

Taniela Tupou is back for the Waratahs.

McKellar has also named a new fullback, with five-eighth Lawson Creighton taking the No.15 jersey after playing Shute Shield for Randwick last weekend.

Centre Henry O’Donnell has been dropped from last week’s team that lost to the Crusaders, while backrower Rob Leota is out with an ankle injury that sees Hugh Sinclair shift from lock to blindside flanker.

Waratahs captain Jake Gordon will play his 108th game, surpassing Chris Whitaker as the most capped NSW Waratahs halfback.

Jake Gordon will become the Waratahs’ most capped halfback.

But all eyes will be on the return of Tupou, whose future remains unclear as contract talks with Rugby Australia have stalled and he weighs up offers in Europe worth much less than the $1.2 million he is earning this year.

“His last two weeks have produced good signs, both at set-piece and with his movement and speed,” McKellar said.

“We’re starting to see signs of the old ‘Nela, which is really encouraging.”

Midfielder Lalakai Foketi has earned his start, this week reclaiming the No. 13 jersey from O’Donnell.

Creighton’s inclusion sees Andrew Kellaway, who played at No. 15 last week in place of injured Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (concussion/ jaw) shift to the right wing.

Lawson Creighton has been named in the No.15 jersey.

Kellaway’s move to No. 14 sees Triston Reilly switch from the right to left wing, and Darby Lancaster, who played at No. 11 last week, named on the bench.

“We are giving Lawson a crack at 15,” McKellar said.

“We gain another strong voice in attack, and he has a good kicking game. He gives us that ability to have a second ballplayer.”

Meanwhile, on the 5-3 bench, flanker Jamie Adamson returns as a finisher.

“Jamie has been good for us off the bench … brought a lot of impact and physicality, and we expect the same on Saturday,” McKellar said.

“We were disappointed with our first forty minutes against the Crusaders last week. We have got to be better. It is as simple as that.

“We always need to review the performance and review it honestly, whether it’s good, bad or indifferent.

“We did that, like we always do on Monday and we move on.”

Originally published as Super Rugby teams: Waratahs recall Taniela Tupou for must-win Western Force clash