Coach Dan McKellar has made significant changes as the NSW Waratahs strive to keep their Super Rugby Pacific campaign alive against the Queensland Reds this Friday night.
In response to a crushing 40-17 defeat to the ACT Brumbies last weekend, McKellar has opted for six alterations to the starting lineup.
“Review day was challenging. The players have to be forthright with one another,” McKellar remarked, with the Waratahs currently sitting ninth out of 11 teams on the ladder.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar observes warm-up. Getty
“I remind the players that it’s never a personal matter. It’s about enhancing individual performances and improving as a team, which is our responsibility as coaches and players,” he added.
“The team’s attitude has been excellent in this regard. No one is sulking; we’ve got to recover from our wounds, take the feedback seriously, and deliver a performance on Friday night in what is a pivotal match that we can take pride in.”
Continue reading for the line-ups for Round 13.
Fijian Drua v Blues
Corey Evans is set to start at fullback for the Blues in Suva after Stephen Perofeta was sidelined due to a calf injury.
AJ Lam will step up on the left wing as All Blacks Caleb Clarke and Mark Tele’a are unavailable due to injury and suspension, respectively.
The defending champions, the Blues, are currently sitting seventh on the ladder but seem to be finding their form at a crucial time in the season.
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge (c), Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai, Kitione Salawa, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Inia Tabuavou, Vuate Karawalevu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ponipate Loganimasi
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawake, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Elia Canakiavata, Philip Baselala, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, Cole Forbes, Corey Evans
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Zarn Sullivan
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Damon Murphy
NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds
FRI 9 MAY: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (7.35pm kickoff AEST)
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has named Wallabies No.10 Tane Edmed in his starting lineup, dropping Lawson Creighton following a disappointing loss to the Brumbies.
Other players missing out include Lalakai Foketi, Ethan Dobbins, Hugh Sinclair, Ben Grant, and Jamie Adamson, while the return of hooker David Porecki and lock Fergus Lee-Warner from injury is a welcome boost for NSW.
“It’s fantastic to have ‘Porks’ back… he’s a leader in our group, exceptional in set pieces, ranking among the best in the world for his line-out throwing and physicality,” McKellar commented about Porecki.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Daniel Botha, Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Taniela Tupou, Ben Grant, Felix Kalapu, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, John Bryant, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Dre Pakeho, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly
NEW PODCAST! James Horwill joins to discuss derby drama, ladder changes, and anticipation for Lions selection
Crusaders v Chiefs
SAT 10 MAY: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
In a surprising move, Crusaders coach Rob Penney has chosen Rivez Reihana to start at No.10 over Wallabies stalwart James O’Connor.
Penney was on the lookout for a replacement for the injured Taha Kemara.
“Rivez has put in a lot of effort with the non-playing group while recovering from injury and has been a leader in that setting, so it was seamless when he stepped in, and we were really impressed with his performance,” Penney stated.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Jackson Henshaw, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Glenn Newman
Western Force v ACT Brumbies
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has opted to rest the in-form Wallabies hooker Billy Pollard for the trip to Perth, with Lachlan Lonergan starting in his place and Liam Bowron on the bench.
“Traveling to Perth to face the Force has proven challenging for us in recent years,” Larkham remarked. “This year, the Force are a much stronger team than last season.”
SAT 10 MAY: HBF Park, Perth (7.35pm kickoff AEST)
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Mac Grealy, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Kurtley Beale
Replacements: Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Reed Prinsep, Nic White, Max Burey, Sio Tomkinson
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Liam Bowron, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: Graham Cooper
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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