Wallabies winger and giant lock headline Waratahs side for Blues

Towering lock Miles Amatosero and winger Harry Potter have come into the NSW Waratahs starting side for this weekend’s clash with the Blues in Sydney, which will be a milestone fixture for inside centre Joey Walton.

Coach Dan McKellar has made just the two changes to the First XV, as the Tahs look to bounce back from the round five defeat to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. Charlie Gamble, Andrew Kellaway and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are among those currently sidelined due to injury.

Tom Lambert will pack down alongside Ehtna Dobbins and Daniel Botha in the front row, while Matt Philip lines up next to Amatosero as the two locks. Former Crusaders hooker Ioane Moananu and Queensland Reds lock Angus Blyth have been named in the reserves.

Clem Halaholo starts at blindside flanker, with Englishman Jamie Adamanson holding onto the starting spot at openside, following an injury to Gamble. Wallabies enforcer Pete Samu rounds out the forward pack as the No. 8.

In the backs, Jake Gordon and Jack Debreczeni will form an experienced halves partnership yet again. Walton has been named for his 50^th Super Rugby Pacific appearance, selected in the centres along with Triston Reilly.

In-form flyer Max Jorgensen starts on the left wing, with Potter on the right and Sid Harvey retaining the starting spot at fullback. Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton and George Poolman will provide backline cover off the bench.

“We’ve trained and prepared well this week having reviewed our performance against the Reds,” McKellar said.

“The Blues are a good side and come here off the back of some positive results. It’s going to be a challenge but one that our players are up for.

“I’m delighted for Joey to reach 50 caps after the injury run he had. He’s an important part of the group and an excellent rugby player.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

13

35

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

The Waratahs haven’t beaten the Blues since 2015 at the Sydney Football Stadium, losing the last 11 head-to-head matches on the bounce.

This round six fixture at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium will kick off at 7:35 pm AEDT on Saturday.

NSW Waratahs to take on Blues

1. Tom Lambert
2. Ethan Dobbins
3. Daniel Botha
4. Matt Philip ©
5. Miles Amatosero
6. Clem Halaholo
7. Jamie Adamson
8. Pete Samu
9. Jake Gordon
10. Jack Debreczeni
11.  Max Jorgensen
12.  Joey Walton
13.  Triston Reilly
14.  Harry Potter
15.  Sid Harvey

Replacements:

16. Ioane Moananu
17. Isaac Kailea
18. Siosifa Amone
19. Angus Blyth
20. Leafi Talataina
21. Teddy Wilson
22. Lawson Creighton
23. George Poolman