Harry Potter starts as Waratahs ring the changes for must-win Drua clash

Wallabies winger Harry Potter has been named in the NSW Waratahs starting side for the first time since round six, with coach Dan McKellar making eight changes to the First XV ahead of a must-win clash with the Fijian Drua.

Potter featured in the run-on side against the Blues in Sydney on March 21 but has only made one appearance since, coming off the bench last time out against the Highlanders. The Tahs were beaten in a thriller across the ditch, setting up a crucial fixture in Suva.

With only three matches left in the regular season, the Waratahs are looking to surge up the ladder and into a playoff spot. New South Wales currently sit in eighth place, while the Drau are one spot back in ninth.

Four players have been brought into the starting pack, including captain Matt Philip at lock. Teddy Wilson and Jack Bowen will form a starting halves pairing for the first time this season, with Triston Reilly and Potter returning to the lineup.

“We’re excited to go over to Fiji and to take on the Drua. They’re a dangerous team that play a unique brand of rugby,” McKellar said.

“We need to start well. That is the learning from the Highlanders game. We feel we have a clear plan that allows us to do that.

“The squad has a ‘next man up’ mentality so whoever is selected is ready to play. We’re really pleased for Oniti, he is a talented player who has come through our pathway programs and Shute Shield. He has worked hard and deserves his opportunity at the top-level. Macca (Michael McDonald) has also been really patient this year and is itching for an opportunity.”

Highly rated prospect Jack Barrett has been named at loosehead, joining hooker Ioane Moananu and tighthead Dan Botha in a new front row. Captain Philip returns after missing the Highlanders match, set to pack down alongside Miles Amatosero.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Fijian Drua

21:35

15 May 26

Waratahs

All Stats and Data

Clem Halaholo is back in the First XV at blindside flanker, with ‘Pistol’ Pete Samu not named in the 23 this week. Halaholo and Charlie Gamble are the two flankers, while Angus Scott-Young starts at the back of the scrum.

Lawson Creighton has retained the starting role at inside centre, linking up with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield. Reilly and Potter are on the wings, with Max Jorgensen set to start at fullback once again.

Sid Harvey will come off the bench.

This match at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva is scheduled to kick off at 2:35 pm AEST on Saturday.

NSW Waratahs to take on Fijian Drua

1. Jack Barrett
2. Ioane Moananu
3. Dan Botha
4. Matt Philip ©
5. Miles Amatosero
6. Clem Halaholo
7. Charlie Gamble
8. Angus Scott-Young
9. Teddy Wilson
10. Jack Bowen
11. Triston Reilly
12. Lawson Creighton
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
14. Harry Potter
15. Max Jorgensen

Replacements: 

16. Oniti Finau*
17. Isaac Kailea
18. Apolosi Ranawai
19. Ben Grant
20. Jamie Adamson
21. Michael McDonald
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Sid Harvey