Eliminated Waratahs to go out swinging against Western Force

The Waratahs may not have made the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific playoffs, but that hasn’t stopped coach Dan McKellar from bringing some of his strongest talent back into the matchday 23 for the Tahs’ season finale.

After missing last week’s loss to the Brumbies, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are all back on deck for the trip to Perth.

The Western Force await and have also pulled no punches for their final game of the year, selecting a top squad after emerging as one of the competition’s hottest teams late in the season.

For the Waratahs, it’s the final game for France-bound Joey Walton and the 100th provincial cap for captain Matt Philip.

McKellar emphasised that the squad were eager to sign off on the season on a high note.

“We want to finish the season well and make sure that we’ve got momentum at the back-end of this year,” the coach said.

“It’s incredibly disappointing not to be playing finals. The reality is we’ve had our chances and haven’t taken them, so I don’t think there will be any lack of motivation.

“Joseph is a rugby player, and when he’s fit to play rugby, he plays. It’s good to have him back.

“I think he’s been disappointed that he hasn’t been able to string games together during his time at the club so far. Hopefully, off the back of a really good couple of weeks of training, he gets out there on Saturday night and just enjoys being back in the Waratahs jersey.”

Team Form

Last 5 Games

31 - 25

19 - 15

19 - 14

32 - 15

17 - 20

31 - 25

14 - 21

35 - 50

31 - 26

17 - 20

4

Wins

1

3

Streak

2

15

Tries Scored

19

1

Points Difference

-6

2/5

First Try

3/5

3/5

First Points

2/5

2/5

Race To 10 Points

3/5

Waratahs team to play the Force

1. Jack Barrett
2. Ioane Moananu
3. Dan Botha
4. Matt Philip ©
5. Miles Amatosero
6. Angus Scott-Young
7. Jamie Adamson
8. Pete Samu
9. Jake Gordon
10. Jack Bowen
11. Andrew Kellaway
12. Joey Walton
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
14. Harry Potter
15. Max Jorgensen

Resrves

16. Oniti Finau
17. Isaac Kailea
18. Apolosi Ranawai
19. Ben Grant
20. Clem Halaholo
21. Teddy Wilson
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Triston Reilly

Injury list

Angus Blyth – ankle injury
Ethan Dobbins – foot
Austin Durbidge – concussion
Folau Faingaa – knee
Charlie Gamble – thumb
Tom Lambert – knee