Waratahs Super rugby head coach Rob Penney has named his matchday squad for his side’s first Super Rugby clash on home soil for 2020.
The NSW Waratahs are headed to McDonald Jones Stadium – their second visit to the Hunter in as many seasons – taking on the Auckland Blues.
It’s a largely unchanged side for Penney, with Newcastle product, Harry Johnson-Holmes named after recovering from an illness that sidelined him in Round 1.
Jack Dempsey replaces Jed Holloway at no.8, with the backline unchanged.
Chris Talakai and Carlo Tizzano have been omitted, with Faulkner and Holloway returning to he reserves.
New recruit, Tepai Moeroa is in line for a Super Rugby debut after also being named on the bench.
Waratahs
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Alex Newsome, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 10 Will Harrison, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Robbie Abel, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacments: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tetera Faulkner, 19 Ryan McCauley, 20 Jed Holloway, 21 Tepai Moeroa, 22 Mitch Short, 23 Jack Maddocks
