Andrew Kellaway in for injured Wallaby as Waratahs name side for Brumbies

49-Test Wallaby Andrew Kellaway is back in the NSW Waratahs starting side ahead of this week’s trip to the capital to face the ACT Brumbies. It’s the only change to the Waratahs run-on side, with Harry Potter missing the round seven Australian derby with a quad injury.

New South Wales are looking to snap a three-match losing streak when they face the Brumbies, who completed a remarkable comeback against the Chiefs last weekend. The Tahs were beaten by the Blues 35-20 last Saturday at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.

Coach Dan McKellar has named the same forward pack to start, with Tom Lambert packing down at loosehead prop. Lambert joins Ethan Dobbins and Daniel Botha up front, while the duo of captain Matt Philip and Miles Amatosero round out the tight five.

Clem Halaholo has been named at blindside flanker once again, while Jamie Adamason hangs onto the No. 7 jersey. Charlie Gamble returns to the matchday 23 after missing the last two matches with an injury, but the backrower will come off the bench.

Pete Samu is the other forward in the First XV, lining up at No. 8.

Jake Gordon joins Jack Debreceni in the halves, while playmaker Lawson Creighton links up with France-bound Joey Walton in the halves. Triston Reilly missed last weekend’s clash with the Blues but will return in round seven via the bench.

Max Jorgensen and Kellaway are the two wingers, while Super Rugby Pacific rookie Sid Harvey retains the starting role at fullback. The Tahs have gone with a  6-2 split on the bench, with Teddy Wilson and Reilly the only two backs.

“There’ll be no surprises down there. It’s going to be a pretty cool Friday evening at GIO Stadium and so there’ll be a bit of dew around,” McKellar said.

“They’ll come hard at the breakdown, as they always do. You’ve got to be nice and physical down there and you’ve got to be accurate, while discipline’s going to be really important.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

28

22

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

40%

“We’ve just got to roll our sleeves up and be hungry for what’s going to be a physical contest.

“We were happy with our attack on the weekend and in particular how our centres and back three performed. There is an opening there on the wing and Kells (Andrew Kellaway) was a natural selection for us there.”

This match at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will kick off at 7:35 pm on Friday night. It’s part of a double-header, with the Wallaroos starting their 2026 season against Fijiana.

NSW Waratahs to take on ACT Brumbies

1. Tom Lambert
2. Ethan Dobbins
3. Daniel Botha
4. Matt Philip ©
5. Miles Amatosero
6. Clem Halaholo
7. Jamie Adamson
8. Pete Samu
9. Jake Gordon
10. Jack Debreczeni
11.  Max Jorgensen
12. Lawson Creighton
13.  Joey Walton
14.  Andrew Kellaway
15.  Sid Harvey

Replacements:

16. Folau Faingaa
17. Jack Barrett
18. Siosifa Amone
19. Angus Blyth
20. Charlie Gamble
21. Angus Scott-Young
22. Teddy Wilson
23. Triston Reilly