Englishman set for Waratahs run-on debut against ladder-leading Chiefs

Englishman Jamie Adamson has been named in the Waratahs’ starting side for the first time ahead of Friday night’s match against the team that’s “probably favoured to win the comp.” Coach Dan McKellar made the change as Charlie Gamble was ruled out.

The Waratahs have only made two changes to the First XV ahead of the round nine clash with the Chiefs at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium. In the backline, Joey Walton is back in the run-on midfield while Lalakai Foketi shifts to outside centre.

At the midway point of the season, the Chiefs sit in first place on the ladder after a hard-fought win over the Queensland Reds in Hamilton last time out. Damian McKenzie, Quin Tupaea and Luke Jacobson have all impressed for Clayton McMillan’s side in 2025.

With the Tahs expecting a fierce challenge, they’re named a relatively settled side. Adamson’s debut in the run-on side is the only change in the forward pack, with the Englishman joining Langi Gleeson and Rob Leota in the backrow.

“Unfortunately, Charlie [Gamble] is unwell and wasn’t available for selection this week,” McKellar said in a statement.

“Jamie’s been really solid for us coming off the bench.

“He’s fit, he’ll bring high energy and a lot of physicality, particularly around the tackle area.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to show what he can do from the opening whistle.”

Prop Angus Bell has been named for his 50^th Waratahs appearance, with the Wallabies enforcer set to pack down alongside Ethan Dobbins and Daniel Botha. In the second row, Ben Grant will line up alongside captain Hugh Sinclair once again.

Teddy Wilson will link up with Lawson Creighton in the halves, with Walton and Foketi in the midfield. Triston Reilly and Andrew Kellaway are the starting wingers, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii completes the outside backs trio at fullback.

Gamble, Max Jorgensen, Jake Gordon, Mahe Vailanu, Darby Lancaster, David Porecki, Fergus Lee-Warner and Lucas Ripley are all currently unavailable.

“Injuries have played a part at different times this season, but overall there’s a growing consistency in selection, which is important,” McKellar explained.

“Outside of Charlie being unavailable, and a few longer-term injuries, it’s a squad that’s building nicely.

“We’re comfortable with the 23 we’ve picked for what’s going to be a huge game.

“They’re a side that’s probably favoured to win the comp,” he added when talking about the Chiefs.

“We know the challenge that’s in front of us, but we’re excited by it.”

This match will get underway at 7:35 pm in Sydney.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

20

33

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

NSW Waratahs to take on Chiefs

1. Loosehead Prop                           Angus Bell (Sydney University)*
2. Hooker                                          Ethan Dobbins (Sydney University)
3. Tighthead Prop                             Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
4. Left Lock                                       Hugh Sinclair (C) (Northern Suburbs)
5. Right Lock                                    Ben Grant (Sydney University)
6. Left Flanker                                  Rob Leota (Eastern Suburbs)
7. Right Flanker                               Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs) **
8. Number Eight                               Langi Gleeson (Manly)
9. Scrumhalf                                    Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
10. Flyhalf                                        Lawson Creighton (Randwick)
11. Left Wing                                   Triston Reilly (Randwick)
12. Inside Centre                            Joey Walton (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre                          Lalakai Foketi (Manly)
14. Right Wing                                Andrew Kellaway (Eastern Suburbs)
15. Fullback                                    Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

Replacements
16. Reserve                                     Julian Heaven (Eastern Suburbs)
17. Reserve                                     Isaac Kailea (Randwick)
18. Reserve                                     Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)
19. Reserve                                     Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)
20. Reserve                                     Leafi Talataina (Sydney University)
Suburbs)
21. Reserve                                     Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Reserve                                     Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs)
23. Reserve                                     Henry O’Donnell (Northern Suburbs)

*Denotes 50th Cap
**Denotes first start