The Waratahs will play this weekend’s Super Rugby match against the Stormers in Cape Town without prop Benn Robinson.
Robinson has been troubled by an eye injury which prevented him from playing against the Western Force and he will not travel to Cape Town with the team.
Tolu Latu has joined the Waratahs squad in Robinson’s place.
“He’s had further complication with his eye which meant he’s unable to travel and we’ll be monitoring him when we get back,” coach Daryl Gibson said on the ARU Rugby site.
“I think it’s a week to week thing. It has become more serious for him in terms of damage to his eye and it will be one where we just monitor it week to week.”
Gibson looks set to retain the backline combinations that played against Western Force which featured Andrew Kellaway at fullback and Israel Folau in the centres.
“I’m feeling more settled with this combination. Rob Horne to me looked more comfortable on the left wing,” he said.
“He gives us a lot of threat out there with his defensive qualities in the middle and shored that area up as well.
“I’m keen to run this combination out and give it some time and certainly folau given more time at 13 to grow into that position.
“He’s determined to make sure he’s going to be a success there.”
The Waratahs victory over the Force ended a two match losing streak for the Sydney side but they still face a tough schedule of must win matches if they are to reach the play offs.
Waratahs captain Michael Hooper says that the team is ready for their next challenge in Cape Town.
“I think it’s a good thing we’re out of our comfort zone,” said Hooper.
“That’s one good thing we’re away and can enjoy being away and enjoy what last night was and build on that,” he said.
“It demands us to be pretty good. The Stormers have been playing some fantastic rugby.
“Building on last night’s performance is crucial will need to do next week.”
Hooper praised the side’s playmakers for taking control of the play against the Force.
“The pleasing aspect for mine was the control Nard (flyhalf Bernard foley), KB and Nick (Phipps) had on the game last week,” he said.
“That was one of the better 80-minute performances they’ve had.
“They put that there as a bench mark we’ll be expecting that. They Pressure on themselves and I’m happy they want to take control of the game.”
