1
Wallaby set to return, rising star to start as Tahs name team for pre-season blockbuster
Rising star Max Jorgensen has been named to start in the NSW Waratahs’ first-preseason trial against the ACT Brumbies in Griffith on Saturday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Heralded as a generational talent, the Waratahs fended off interested from both rugby league and union to sign the schoolboy sensation on a two-year deal last September.
Jorgensen hasn’t played a Super Rugby match for the Waratahs yet, but was named as a development player for Australia A’s tour of Japan last year.
Clearly, Rugby Australia see big things in the teenagers future.
After being toted as a schoolboy star, Jorgensen will have his first opportunity to star at Super Rugby level in this weekend’s trial against the Brumbies.
Jorgensen is one of four Waratahs debutants in the first-half team, including Taleni Seu, former LA Giltinis halfback Harrison Goddard, and former Crusaders winger Namani Nadolo.
The team boasts an exciting mix of potential and experience, which includes Mahe Vailau at hooker. Vailanu was sensational with the LA Giltinis in America.
Wallaby Ned Hanigan is set to pack down aloangside Taleni Seu in the second-row, while Charlie Gambel has been named at openside flanker.
ADVERTISEMENT
Blindside flanker Lachie Swinton has also been named to return after missing almost all of last year’s campaign with an injury.
Moving onto the backs, the halves combinations is potentially one that could be seen for many years to come.
Goddard was sensational during his time in the United States, having won the Major League Rugby championship alongside Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Coper at the Giltinis.
The 24-year-old, who has played with the Rebels in the past, is set to pair up with Wallaby Ben Donaldson.
ADVERTISEMENT
Playmaker Tane Edmed will start in the midfield alongside Harry Wilson, while Fijian international Nemani Nadolo is set to start on the ring wing.
Jorgensen will start out the back for the Tahs.
But it’s a game of two halves for the Waratahs, who have named a very different side for their second half against the Brumbies.
Wallabies Tolu Latu and Langi Gleeson will both don Sky Blue during the second-half.
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman said the staff and players “are super excited” about “finally” playing some rugby after a long pre-season.
“After 13 solid training weeks, the staff and players are super excited to finally play some rugby,” Coleman said in a statement.
“I feel we’re in a different stage of our development that this trail alt year, we’ve had a lot more time together and the boys have greater clarity in how we want to play.
“These trials are a great opportunity to reward the boys who have worked hard through the pre-season, get them some game time, and allow them to compete for round one spots.
“The Brumbies as always will be a stern test and a great way to kick off our run of pre-season fixtures.”
WARATAHS 1st HALF TEAM
- Te Tera Faulkner
- Mahe Vailanu
- Archer Holz
- Ned Hanigan
- Taleni Seu
- Lachie Swinton
- Charlie Gamble
- Will Harris
- Harrison Goddard
- Ben Donaldson
- Dylan Pietsch
- Tane Edmed
- Harry Wilson
- Nemani Nadolo
- Max Jorgensen
WARATAHS 2nd HALF TEAM
- Tom Lambert
- Tolu Latu
- Tiaan Tauakipulu
- Zane Marolt
- Ola Tauelangi
- Michael Icely
- Hunter Ward
- Langi Gleeson
- Teddy Wilson
- Jack Bowen
- Harry Wilson
- Henry O’Donnell
- Mosese Tuipulotu
- James Hendren
- Ben Dowling
RESERVES
Sateki Latu, Thomas Maka, Fritz Jahnke-Tavana
Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to comments