Surprise call at fly-half as Waratahs name side for must-win Blues clash

NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has made a couple of surprise selection calls in the halves ahead of this weekend’s must-win clash with the Blues in Auckland. Youngsters Teddy Wilson and Jack Bowen have been promoted to the starting side for the match at Eden Park.

Captain Jake Gordon has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, which has seen Wilson recalled to the run-on side for the first time since the round 10 loss away to the Fijian Drua. As for Bowen, the playmaker hasn’t started for the Tahs since May 31, 2024.

Bowen played a key role in New South Wales’ thrilling win over the Western Force in Super Point last weekend, having missed a penalty attempt before setting up winger Darby Lancaster to score a dramatic final-play winner.

One-Test Wallaby Tane Edmed has been selected on the bench as Bowen’s backup, while Jack Grant will provide cover for Wilson as the replacement halfback. In the absence of Gordon, Hugh Sinclair will lead the side.

“Jack, along with Teddy Wilson, had a huge impact last week under pressure with his calm, direction and vision in attack,” McKellar said in a statement.

“He has earned this start with his consistent hard work throughout the season in both training and his game time off the bench.

“This is a big game with a lot at stake. He is ready for a big game opportunity like this.”

Ulster-bound Angus Bell will pack down alongside David Porecki and Taniela Tupou in the front row, with ‘Nela named in the run-on side for the second match in a row. Fergus Lee-Warner and Miles Amatosero complete the tight five as the two locks.

In the loose forwards, captain Sinclair will start at blindside flanker, while Englishman Jamie Adamson has been selected at openside. Langi Gleeson completes the starting pack as an enforcer in the No. 8 jersey

Outside of Wilson and Bowen, Joey Walton will link up with Henry O’Donnell in the midfield. Triston Reilly lines up on the left wing, while Wallaby Andrew Kellaway returns to the 23 on the right edge. Lawson Creighton has been retained at fullback.

“At this end of the season, all teams will be impacted by injuries that inevitable test the depth of the squad,” McKellar added.

“We are missing some through injury, but the players who will start in their place have shown this season that they can step up.

“There is no shortage of motivation for them to do so again this week.”

If the Waratahs are going to be any chance of playing finals football, they need to beat the Blues at Eden Park, who are also chasing a top six spot. This must-win match will kick-off at 4:35 pm AEST on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

38

14

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

NSW Waratahs to take on Blues

1. Loosehead Prop                         Angus Bell (Sydney University)
2. Hooker                                        David Porecki (Manly)
3. Tighthead Prop                           Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)
4. Left Lock                                     Fergus Lee-Warner (Eastern Suburbs)
5. Right Lock                                   Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)
6. Left Flanker                                 Hugh Sinclair (C – Northern Suburbs)
7. Right Flanker                              Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
8. Number Eight                              Langi Gleeson (Manly)
9. Scrumhalf                                   Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
10. Flyhalf                                       Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs)
11. Left Wing                                   Triston Reilly (Randwick)
12. Inside Centre                            Joey Walton (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre                          Henry O’Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
14. Right Wing                                 Andrew Kellaway (Randwick)
15. Fullback                                     Lawson Creighton (Randwick)

Replacements
16. Reserve                                     Mahe Vailanu (Gordon)
17. Reserve                                     Tom Lambert (Sydney University)
18. Reserve                                     Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
19. Reserve                                     Ben Grant (Sydney University)
20. Reserve                                     Leafi Talataina (Sydney University)
21. Reserve                                     Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Reserve                                     Tane Edmed (Eastwood)
23. Reserve                                     Darby Lancaster (Eastern Suburbs)