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Mark Nawaqanitawase dropped as Waratahs look to beat Crusaders again

By Finn Morton
Mark Nawaqanitawase of the Waratahs looks on during the round 15 Super Rugby Pacific match between NSW Waratahs and Moana Pasifika at Allianz Stadium on June 03, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Wallabies wing Mark Nawaqanitawase has been dropped for the Waratahs’ upcoming clash with the Crusaders in Sydney, with Randwick’s Triston Reilly getting the nod in the No. 14 jumper.

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Reilly, 25, has scored one try in four appearances for the Waratahs this season. The winger’s one five-pointer came in the round two 37-24 win over the Crusaders in Melbourne.

The Waratahs, who are currently sit third-last with a 1-6 record after seven rounds, will be desperate to repeat their earlier season heroics when they take the field at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Friday.

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“Triston deserves his chance. We all saw what he did against the Crusaders last time,” head coach Darren Coleman said.

“He missed out for a couple of weeks there, but he took it in the right way. He went back and worked hard on his game, stayed positive and played really well for Randwick on the weekend in the Shute Shield.

“His effort areas like kick-chase and defence are really strong and I’m looking forward to what he can provide us this weekend.

“It’s been a big headache in our backline but a good headache to have. This week we have all of our contracted backs available which is unheard of. As a result, we’ve got some good players missing out.”

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In another big change for the Tahs, the New South Welshman have welcomed Wallaby Ned Hanigan back into their starting side. Hanigan is back in the mix after recovering from a knee injury.

Hanigan joins fellow Australia international Jed Holloway in the second-row, while Fergus Lee-Warner drops out of the starting side and onto the bench.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
3
Draws
0
Wins
2
Average Points scored
30
36
First try wins
40%
Home team wins
60%

“It’s great to have Ned back,” Coleman explained. “He was one of our better performers prior to his knee issue.

“You just get wholehearted energy from Ned. He’s such a good all-rounder. He’s got a good carry, good in the ruck, and sharp in the lineout. He really cares about the team, so we’re excited to have Ned back.

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“Langi is also another welcome addition to the side this week and has proven how valuable he can be in Super Rugby and at international level.”

Looking to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their 2014 championship win over the Crusaders in style, the Waratahs have named a strong side to take on the on the 1-5 Crusaders.

Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven and Harry Johnson-Holmes will pack down in the front-row, while Holloway and Hanigan round out the tight five.

In what could be the Waratahs’ strongest positional group, coach Coleman has picked Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble and Langi Gleeson in the loose forwards.

Captain Jake Gordon joins Tane Edmed in the halves once again, while Wallabies duo Lalakai Foketi and Izaia Perese will link up in the halves – just as they did during last year’s Rugby World Cup.

Joining Triton Reilly in the outside backs is 2023 Wallabies squad member Dylan Pietsch and fullback Max Jorgensen.

This Trans-Tasman blockbuster at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium is scheduled to get underway at :35 pm EST on Friday evening.

NSW Waratahs to take on Crusaders

  1. Hayden Thompson-Stringer
  2. Julian Heaven
  3. Harry Johnson-Holmes
  4. Jed Holloway
  5. Ned Hanigan
  6. Lachlan Swinton
  7. Charlie Gamble
  8. Langi Gleeson
  9. Jake Gordon (c)
  10. Tane Edmed
  11. Dylan Pietsch
  12. Lalakai Foketi
  13. Izaia Perese
  14. Triston Reilly
  15. Max Jorgensen

Replacements

  1. Theo Fourie
  2. Lewis Ponini*
  3. Tom Ross
  4. Miles Amatosero
  5. Hugh Sinclair
  6. Jack Grant
  7. Will Harrison
  8. Joey Walton

*Denotes potential Super Rugby Pacific debut

Unavailable David Porecki (Achilles), Thomas Lambert (knee), Archer Holz (shoulder), Mesu Kunavula (knee), Ned Slack-Smith (concussion), Daniel Botha (Achilles), Mahe Vailanu (knee), Angus Bell (toe)

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H
Hellhound 14 minutes ago
Springboks reclaim Freedom Cup in titanic All Blacks clash

I agree about Ben Smith, but don't rope in the NZ supporters. Every country have their trolls, fans who go too far. As a matter of fact, I've seen more NZ fans having something good to say about the Boks than fans of any other country, including Saffas. I am a Saffa too. The NZ fans already admitted the Boks are currently better. Even when Bok fans was saying different. Most AB's fans predicted this loss. Give them respect, and give the trolls hell. Don't include a whole nation for one or 2 idiots. Yes, South Africa are deserved back to back champions. They behave like it too. They show class. Maybe do the same? Show some class. Don't fall so easily for trolls. Who cares what they say? Really? Will whatever they say influence your daily life? The Boks are already proving everyone wrong. They keep breaking hearts of other fans. They will keep smashing the opposition. They don't care what's being said. They lead from the front. They show what they are about and they prove time and again they are the best. They are doing their absolute best to change the bad name of Boks. They are winning hearts and minds. They are gaining support internationally from other countries fans. Then we have trolls that keeps giving us a bad name. Tell me, are you so weak minded and easily manipulated to fall for every jibe? I don't think you are, but your actions is proving me wrong. You can laugh at them. Every jibe, every bad article, every bad comment don't age very well. They are making a mockery of themselves. They are hanging themselves. They are jokers. Are they important in your life? Do they affect your happiness? They stir the pot, because it's all they can do. Sour, unhappy, ungrateful and very little going for them. It is who they are and have become. The are envious. They are jealous. That makes them nasty. Don't fall for it. Show class. Laugh at them. We can. The Boks did that for us. They are still doing it for us. They haven't reached their peak yet. They are still growing into it. They are miles ahead of every other team already. When they start to click.... That is a scary thought. The talent and pure depth, the quality is absolutely amazing. So laugh and enjoy yourself because they are trolling for no other reason than they have nothing to boast about. Don't disrespect the AB's supporters. That is unwarranted

133 Go to comments
H
Hellhound 42 minutes ago
Springboks reclaim Freedom Cup in titanic All Blacks clash

You said it. Very exciting end of year lined up. Not so much for the teams that have to face the Boks. The Boks after a WC tend to go along with quite a few losses due to rebuilding for the next WC. This time around they seem intent on beating everyone in front of them. A big shift mentally and the WC double was just the start. Not the end prize but just the beginning. How far can this Bok team go? They have depth and talent and power. They have x factor. They have x factor players. They have hybrid players in almost every position. They look like a car struggling to start, and yet still have enough to pull of a win. WHEN, not IF, this Boks team start to gel, who can stop them? They are a team walking, getting into rhythm. Will we see them gel and start jogging or running? How many gears do they have? They are not invincible. Not yet. With TB on attack, there is a massive difference in the Boks threat. The forwards just gets stronger and stronger. We are yet to see Cameron Hanekom and Wilco Louw and others who deserves to be part of this squad. So many youngsters that is already world class coming through not getting a look in. The Boks can easily put out 3 teams that can take a WC. Only a fool wouldn't rate this Bok team as great. The accolades speak for themselves. The NH is glued to the TV, watching tensely what's awaiting. They will be scared of what's coming their way. A team that makes 7 to 10 changes each game, and every replacement is as good or even better, is a nasty prospect to await. It's fearsome. What they see is not what they want. The most Bok haters is from the NH. Teams that claim they are the best, but definitely are not. Bragging rights is all that is up for grabs on the EOYT. The players won't show it, but they are scared. The coaches are scared. Any team that can change players like the Boks, is a mighty team. How many injuries is keeping players on the sidelines? Better players than in the current team?

133 Go to comments
T
TT 57 minutes ago
Springboks reclaim Freedom Cup in titanic All Blacks clash

Best team won ... again. 


At least the ref was very communicative & not trigger happy like last week. Some clearly wrong tackler/ruck calls. & Lomax yellow, FACT OF RULES IS a player has to change direction for that infringement. Lomax's feet didn't even move off his spot before Kolbe RAN, AT ANGLE, INTO HIM. NOR any Lomax arms for a classic clothesline. REwatch, blind if can't see it.

 

None of those wrong ref calls would have changed the result. Best team won.

 

Wake up Mr Razor & gang. Actually in fairness to Foster... Mr 50% [Fiji doesn't count] Razor. 


FORWARDS fine, except desperately need SR star SOTUTU. 


BACKLINE 3rd rate. NZ back stocks fantastic but Razor & gang asleep.  Changes needed, actually was needed pre-SAf, 


TJ, Reece GONE!

 

Reece?I was his biggest fan, BUT... Low impact & shouldhave been awarded SAf last try. Defensive vague out & didn’t even yell for obviously needed support on the blind. Lost the test . + a few other errors after similar in previous tests.

 

TJ? Ratima going fine. But Razor replaces him with Mr Shouty, TJ. STILL repeatedly warned be ref to shut it! Nothing professional about him.

 

Too late now Mr50% but need, AT LEAST [CONSERVATIVELY ]; 


{starting} 


9 {Ratima}/ Christie (ie waiting on Roigard!) 

10 {D.McKenzie }/ Plummer 

12 {J.Barrett}/ ALB 

13 {Proctor} ( backup R. Ioane) 

14 {Narawa}/ R. Ioane 

11 {C.Clarke} / Tele’a 

15 {W.Jordan} (backup J.Barrett) 

133 Go to comments
H
Hellhound 1 hour ago
Scott Robertson reflects on the All Blacks’ Freedom Cup loss to Springboks

Razor was untouchable in a club competition that favours the AB's with no real competition. The Crusaders has been the main feeding trough for the ABs for a long time. Easier to stay strong and win against weaker club teams like Super Rugby Pacific. A great club coach doesn't make for a winning test coach. Rassie took over a Bok team that got flogged by everyone. He changed them around and created a winning team and culture. Razor took over a team that barely lost in a WC final. Massive difference between the 2 coaches and teams during transition phases. The question have to be asked...Is the problems in NZ rugby deeper than the team? Are they growing weaker due to coaching or competition? This 2 tests the AB's had it but lost it against a team that is swapping and changing continuesly. Changing that many players, no matter how good they are, you lose a lot of little things. In attack the Boks struggle to gel, they play in short bursts and currently is a team who rescue themselves through sheer power or broken play. Their mental strength is one of the biggest changes in the team. They find a way to win. They believe that they are the best but they are not letting it make them complacent. They know they are hard to beat and at any given day can lose. They are not the polished product and far from reaching their end goal. Rassie keeps shifting the goal posts. Making it harder for every player to keep their spot on the team. Fozzie was seen as the worst AB's coach, but he got them to the WC final. The NZRU would have been very happy that the AB's lost that final. What would it have looked like if they fired a coach they mocked, gave a hard time and fired long before the WC, if he won the WC? They are not good at their jobs. Just like with the Aussie board, this NZ board is failing upwards. How long before the AB's become the Wallabies? The players are trying hard, but they can do only so much. Razor is a coach of habit. He has his favourites. Is the current AB's team the best players in each position in the country? Or is there better players that don't get a look in? These players are not bad. The best though? Imagine what an Aki Bundee would have been able to do, and other players the AB's throw away for fun. Now they gain residency and play for other countries or go back to their Island nations and play for them. No matter how I look at it, NZ rugby is going backwards. I don't blame the players. NZ still produce world class players, but a lot of questions is left to answer. More than just a losing team. Razor should not have walked in as head coach. He should have been assistant to learn the ropes of international rugby. There is a vast difference between club and international rugby. Is the NZRU setting up Razor to fail?

4 Go to comments
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