Sydney Super Rugby franchise the Waratahs have named their team to play the Southern Kings with Rob Horne returning from injury.
Coming off the back of a bye, the Waratahs have used the opportunity to reset the clock after a tough start to the season, with their sights firmly set of taking out the Australian conference.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Daryl Gibson, said the Australian conference is still wide open and he have confidence his side has what it takes to finish on top.
“We can still win the Australian conference and make it through to the Finals – the season is not over yet, not by a long shot,” said Gibson.
“This weekend we have a different combination side. It’s certainly a combination that, going into the season, was one that we’d looked at and we get an opportunity now to play that.”
Moving into the starting line up is David McDuling, with Rob Horne back from injury which will see Israel Folau return to fullback.
“Getting our best players on the field (is the priority, and) obviously Rob Horne’s back injury-free.
“This team line up is one we’ve been wanting to put out for a while but we’ve been limited though injury and opportunity, so it gets a chance to see what it can do.”
Despite the Kings going down last week to the Reds, Gibson is aware of what they are capable of.
“They are going to come out and fight, and show real dogged determination.
“They’ve got guys out on the wings that can really hurt you with a lot of pace and they’ve got guys who are really good on the ball.
“Given what is going on off the field for their side, we know they will be even more determined to put in a strong performance,” said Gibson.
Angus Ta’avao will also make his return, after being sidelined for six months when his broke his leg during the NRC Semi-Final.
Andrew Kellaway has been sidelined after sustaining a fracture in small bone (hyoid) on the weekend playing in Club rugby. He was admitted to hospital for observation. While he won’t require surgery, it will rule him out for 3-6 weeks.
Waratahs
15 Israel Folau, 14 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 13 Rob Horne, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Cam Clark, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Will Skelton, 4 David McDuling, 3 Tom Robertson, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Paddy Ryan
Replacements :16. Hugh Roach, 17. Angus Ta’avao, 18. David Lolohea, 19. Dean Mumm, 20. Jed Holloway, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Bryce Hegarty, 23. Harry Jones
