Super Rugby: Waratahs to field all-Wallaby backline against Reds
NSW will unleash one of the most star-studded backlines in their history against Queensland at the SCG on Saturday as they seek to keep their six-year derby winning streak alive.
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NSW will unleash one of the most star-studded backlines in their history against Queensland at the SCG on Saturday as they seek to keep their six-year derby winning streak alive.
Israel Folau has been moved to the wing so Kurtley Beale can shift to fullback, giving Karmichael Hunt and Adam Ashley-Cooper another chance to start together in the centres after their round one partnership.
The all-Wallabies backline also features Jake Gordon and Bernard Foley in the halves and Curtis Rona on the left wing.
Queensland, reeling from the season-ending injury to brilliant centre Jordan Petaia, have a comparatively inexperienced backline, with coach Brad Thorn dropping five-eighth Hamish Stewart in favour of former Tah Bryce Hegarty, and naming Isaac Lucas for his starting debut at fullback.
The Reds are the only winless side in the Australian conference so far, and come to Sydney having not beaten NSW since 2013.
And that streak should remain intact if the Waratahs forward pack can dominate their rivals and give their backs room to move.
It is the first time NSW has used this backline combination – having signed Hunt and Ashley-Cooper in the off-season – but it looks to have damaging potential.
“Those guys have all come in fit and it’s about getting our best on the field, so we think for this game against the Reds those boys in those positions is our best team to play against them,” NSW assistant coach Simon Cron said.
Folau has often stated his preference to play at fullback but says he’ll play wherever is best for the team. He made the same move late last year for the Wallabies to accommodate Dane Haylett-Petty at fullback.
“It opens up some opportunities for [Folau], it puts him in a position to potentially get some ball first phase and also on any sort of kick-attack stuff, so for him he’s pretty fine with it,” Cron said.
“From fullback, any of our fullbacks have the opportunity to step in and be a first receiver, second phase, third phase. KB’s that guy, he loves getting his hands on the ball so I’ve got no doubts he’ll come in and get a lot of pill.”
After stepping off the plane from England this week, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has been named on the bench and Cron is impressed with his physical condition and sage advice to the team’s rookies.
Meanwhile, injured Test halfback Nick Phipps is still struggling with a calf injury so was not considered for this game, but is expected to be fit for Friday week’s match against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Waratahs: 15. Kurtley Beale 14. Israel Folau 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper 12. Karmichael Hunt 11. Curtis Rona 10. Bernard Foley 9. Jake Gordon 8. Jack Dempsey 7. Michael Hooper (captain) 6. Ned Hanigan 5. Rob Simmons 4. Jed Holloway 3. Sekope Kepu 2. Damien Fitzpatrick 1. Harry Johnson-Holmes.
Reserves: 16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Rory O’Connor 18. Chris Talakai 19. Lachlan Swinton 20. Will Miller 21. Mitch Short 22. Mack Mason 23. Alex Newsome.
Reds: 15. Isaac Lucas 14. Chris Feauai-Sautia 13. Samu Kerevi (captain) 12. Duncan Paia’aua 11. Sefa Naivalu 10. Bryce Hegarty 9. Moses Sorovi 8. Scott Higginbotham 7. Liam Wright 6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 5. Harry Hockings 4. Izack Rodda 3. Taniela Tupou 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa 1. JP Smith.
Reserves: 16. Alex Mafi 17. Harry Hoopert 18. Ruan Smith 19. Caleb Timu 20. Angus Scott-Young 21. Tate McDermott 22. Hamish Stewart 23. Jack Hardy.
Originally published as Super Rugby: Waratahs to field all-Wallaby backline against Reds
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