Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out as Waratahs prepare for crucial derby

NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has stuck with the same starting side that claimed a season-defining win over the Fijian Drua last weekend, as the men in cambridge blue looked ahead to a crucial Australian derby at home.

Following last weekend’s 15-point win over the Drua, the Waratahs are back in Sydney for a must-win match against the ACT Brumbies. Sid Harvey was the hero for the Tahs when these sides last met, goal-kicking the visitors to a rare win in the nation’s capital.

With the Waratahs sitting just outside the top six, this round 15 blockbuster will have a big say on the ladder. New South Wales will move into the playoff picture if they beat the Brumbies and deny them a losing bonus point at Allianz Stadium.

Joey Walton comes into the matchday 23 on the bench, but the Tahs will again be without star centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. The Wallaby has been ruled out of this derby due to hamstring tightness, with Pete Samu and Jake Gordon among the others deemed unavailable.

“Everyone at this club knows that this is a big game and an important week,” McKellar said.

“We’ve spoken in the past about how some games are just different, the Waratahs against the Brumbies is one of those weeks on any given week, but certainly when we’re both chasing the same prize, it adds to that, which is great.

“So hopefully there’s a good crowd there on Friday night and there’s plenty of interest around the game.

“The retention of the starting line-up comes down to performance. A lot of guys who have got an opportunity in Suva have had to be really patient and chip away, play Shute Shield and train in the non-23 group.

“When you give players an opportunity, you just want them to take it. I thought a number of guys did that last weekend.”

Jack Barrett has been named in a promising front-row trio alongside Ioane Moananu and Dan Botha. Waratahs captain Matt Philip will again pack down at No. 4 lock, packing down alongside hulking second rower Miles Amatosero.

Clem Halaholo starts at blindside flanker, with Charlie Gamble lining up at openside, and Angus Scott-Young rounding out the loose forwards at No. 8. Jamie Adamson will provide loose forward cover off the bench.

Teddy Wilson links up with Jack Bowen in the halves for the second match in a row. Those two will look to provide quality ball to an exciting backline that includes Lawson Creighton and Triston Reilly in the centres.

Harvey and Harry Potter are the wingers, with Max Jorgensen retained at fullback. Jack Debreczeni and Walton are among the replacements, as the Waratahs continued to chase finals football with the goal of securing back-to-back wins.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Waratahs

14 - 21

Full-time

Brumbies

All Stats and Data

NSW Waratahs take on ACT Brumbies

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. Sid Harvey
12. Lawson Creighton
13. Triston Reilly
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. Joey Walton

Injury list

Angus Blyth – ankle injury

Ethan Dobbins – foot

Folau Faingaa – knee

Jake Gordon – illness

Tom Lambert – knee

Pete Samu – knee

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – hamstring tightness