Taniela Tupou back in Waratahs’ starting side for Aussie derby out west

Taniela Tupou is back in the NSW Waratahs starting side for the first time since round seven, with coach Dan McKellar making several changes to the team ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Western Force at Perth’s HBF Park.

Tupou started the season with six successive starts for the Tahs before McKellar opted for Dan Botha in the run-on side. However, the Wallaby has made some noticeable improvements over the last couple of weeks and has been rewarded.

Earlier this month, Tupou scored a try off the bench and monstered the Queensland Reds’ scrum during a 29-minute shift. However, the world-renowned tighthead prop was shown a yellow card, which did dampen that performance slightly.

But in the last two Tahs matches in Sydney, the home crowd has let out a passionate cheer whenever Tupou’s name was read out by the ground announcer. Following Tupou’s open interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, it’s clear fans just want to see the Wallaby succeed.

“His last two weeks have produced good signs, both at set-piece and with his movement and speed,” coach McKellar said in a statement.

“We’re starting to see signs of the old ‘Nela, which is really encouraging.”

David Porecki and Angus Bell are the other two starting front-rowers, while Fergus Lee-Warner and Miles Amatosero round out the tight five. Former Tahs captain Hugh Sinclair comes back into the starting side at blindside flanker, with Charlie Gamble and Lang Gleeson also named.

In the backs, captain Jake Gordon will become the most-capped Waratahs halfback of all time against the Force in Perth. This will be Gordon’s 108^th appearance, which surpasses Chris Whitaker who previously held the record.

Gordon will partner one-Test Wallaby Tane Edmed in the halves, while Lawson Creight has been given the go-ahead to start at fullback. Joey Walton and Lalakai Foketi are the midfield pairing, while Triston Reilly and Andrew Kellaway will start on the wings.

While the Waratahs’ aren’t officially out of the playoff hunt just yet, last week’s loss to the high-flying Crusaders was a blow. Johnny McNicoll scored inside the first couple of minutes, which set the tone, as the visitors ran riot during the opening half.

While the Tahs were better during the second 40, they will be eager to bounce back against one of their Australian rivals. To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Tahs are searching for a bonus point win, which could set up a blockbuster against the Blues in the final round.

“We were disappointed with our first forty minutes against the Crusaders last week,” McKellar reflected. “We have got to be better. It is as simple as that.

“We did that, like we always do on Monday and we move on.”

This match between the Waratahs and Force will get underway at 7:35 pm AEST on Saturday evening.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

19

28

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

NSW Waratahs to take on Western Force

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 (Northern Suburbs)
7. Right Flanker                              Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)
8. Number Eight                              Langi Gleeson (Manly)
9. Scrumhalf                                   Jake Gordon (C – Sydney University)*
10. Flyhalf                                       Tane Edmed (Eastwood)
11. Left Wing                                   Triston Reilly (Randwick)
12. Inside Centre                            Joey Walton (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre                          Lalakai Foketi (Manly)
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                                     Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
21. Reserve                                     Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Reserve                                     Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs)
23. Reserve                                     Darby Lancaster (Eastern Suburbs)

Unavailable list

• Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (concussion/fractured jaw)
• Max Jorgensen (syndesmosis)
• Rob Leota (ankle)
• Jimmy Hendren (broken wrist)