Ex-Australia U20s captain to start as Waratahs brace for ‘big challenge’

Former Australia U20s captain Teddy Wilson is set for his first start of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, with the NSW Waratahs making three changes to the First XV ahead of this weekend’s match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Wilson, who also previously represented the Australia Sevens side on one occasion as well, has made six appearances off the bench for the Tahs so far this season. But with regular No. 9 Jake Gordon shifting to the bench, Wilson starts in the halves with Jack Debrecenzi.

Openside flanker Jamie Adamson moves from the run-on side to the replacements as well, with regular starter Charlie Gamble returning. Gamble joins blindside Clem Halaholo and Wallaby Pete Samu in an otherwise unchanged backrow.

The other notable change to the First XV is the return of Triston Reilly at outside centre, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii still unavailable. Reilly joins France-bound Joey Walton in the midfield, while Lawson Creighton misses out through injury.

“We were pleased with the win against the Brumbies last weekend but we’ve got to go over to Hamilton and back that performance up,” McKellar said.

“We’re under no illusions of how big the challenge is heading to New Zealand to face the Chiefs on their own patch. However, we’ve got a clear plan on how we want to execute on the day and we beat this team in Sydney last year.

“Teddy’s been working hard in training and deserves a shot from the first whistle. We’re looking forward to seeing what sort of an impact he can have.”

Tom Lambert packs down in the front row alongside hooker Ethan Dobbins and tighthead prop Daniel Botha. Captain Matt Philip will again partner hulking lock Miles Amatosero in the second row, while former Queensland Red Angus Blyth comes off the bench.

In the backline, in-form flyer Max Jorgensen and Wallaby Andrew Kellaway will line up on a wing each. Sid Harvey, who is the Super Rugby Pacific Rookie of the Year leader, hangs onto the starting spot at fullback.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

33

20

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

The Waratahs defeated the Chiefs 21-14 at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium last season, which brought an end to an eight-game losing streak against the Hamilton-based outfit.

NSW Waratahs to take on Chiefs

1. Tom Lambert
2. Ethan Dobbins
3. Daniel Botha
4. Matt Philip ©
5. Miles Amatosero
6. Clem Halaholo
7. Charlie Gamble
8. Pete Samu
9. Teddy Wilson
10. Jack Debreczeni
11.  Max Jorgensen
12. Joey Walton
13.  Triston Reilly
14.  Andrew Kellaway
15.  Sid Harvey

Replacements:

16. Folau Faingaa
17. Jack Barrett
18. Siosifa Amone
19. Angus Blyth
20. Jamie Adamson
21. Jake Gordon
22. Jack Bowen
23. George Poolman