Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has named a Super Rugby team with four changes for this weekend’s match against the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland.
The match will be the Waratahs last in the regular season and the 1000th NSW game since 1882.
Jack Dempsey has been named to start at number six after his performance last week and as a result Dean Mumm shifts to the second row.
Club Captain, Dave Dennis will play one of his last matches for the NSW Waratahs in the number eight jersey, after a concerted display against the Hurricanes last weekend.
Speedster, Reece Robinson, who has already scored five tries in his debut rugby season this year, moves into the starting right wing position, in place of Taqele Naiyaravoro who is serving a one week suspension.
Wycliff Palu will once again provide a welcome boost in the reserves, while Jim Stewart will have the chance to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench.
The well-built 22-year-old back has been a standout for the Sydney University Club as a product of the NSW rugby pathways.
Should he make it onto the park he will be the eighth Waratah this season to make their NSW debut. Out of the eight, six have crossed for their debut tries this season in what is a positive sign of things to come amongst the Club’s next generation of talent.
This week’s game will see Nick Phipps become the second Waratah, after Matt Carraro last weekend, to reach his 50th game for NSW.
Waratahs
1. Paddy Ryan , 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau , 3. Tom Robertson , 4. Dean Mumm , 5. Will Skelton , 6. Jack Dempsey , 7. Michael Hooper (C), 8. Dave Dennis (VC), 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bernard Foley , 11. Matt Carraro , 12. Rob Horne , 13. Israel Folau,
14. Reece Robinson , 15. Andrew Kellaway ,
Replacements : 16. Hugh Roach , 17. Jeremy Tilse , 18. Angus Ta’avao , 19. Sam Lousi , 20. Wycliff Palu , 21. Matt Lucas , 22. David Horwitz , 23. Jim Stewart
The Waratahs are currently 9/1 to win the Super Rugby title.
