‘We’ll be ready’: Waratahs make key changes for crucial Highlanders clash

NSW Waratahs fly-half Jack Debreczeni will bring up 100 Super Rugby caps this weekend, with coach Dan McKellar making four changes to the starting side ahead of a pivotal clash with the Highlanders across the ditch.

The Waratahs defeated Moana Pasifika on April 17 but have dropped their last two away to the Crusaders and at home to the Western Force. New South Wales sit in seventh on the Super Rugby Pacific standings with just four rounds left in the regular season.

McKellar has brought Isaac Kailea and Dan Botha into the front-row, and Miles Amatosero starts in the absence of captain Matt Philip. Debreczeni is another key change for the Tahs, with the playmaker set to bring up a milestone appearance.

Debreczeni will become just the third player in the current Waratahs squad to reach the mark, joining Jake Gordon and Pete Samu in that exclusive club. The 32-year-old has spent time with the Melbourne Rebels, Chiefs and the ACT Brumbies.

Gordon captains the Waratahs from scrum-half, linking the forwards with a backline that boasts plenty of star power. Lawson Creighton and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are the centre pairing, with Harry Potter providing cover off the pine.

Super Rugby Pacific rookie Sid Harvey has been retained on the left wing, with Wallaby Andrew Kellaway starting on the other edge. Max Jorgensen will continue in the fullback role, with the Tahs going with a 5-3 split in their reserves.

Kailea and Botha join hooker Ethan Dobbins up front, with highly rated prospect Jack Barrett among those looking to provide impact off the bench. Angus Scott-Young and Charlie Gamble are the starting flankers, with ‘Pistol’ Samu lining up at No. 8.

“We were disappointed with the result and performance against the Force,” McKellar said.

“Travelling to Dunedin to face the Highlanders is a tough assignment for any team, but we’ll be ready come Saturday.

“Debs (Jack) has become an important part of the group and his experience is an asset to the team. Congratulations to him for reaching such a significant milestone.”

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Highlanders

31 - 26

Full-time

Waratahs

All Stats and Data

NSW Waratahs to take on Highlanders

1. Isaac Kailea
2. Ethan Dobbins
3. Dan Botha
4. Miles Amatosero
5. Angus Blyth
6. Angus Scott-Young
7. Charlie Gamble
8. Pete Samu
9. Jake Gordon ©
10. Jack Debreczeni
11. Sid Harvey
12. Lawson Creighton
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
14. Andrew Kellaway
15. Max Jorgensen

Replacements: 

16. Folau Faingaa
17. Jack Barrett
18. Apolosi Ranawai
19. Clem Halaholo
20. Leafi Talataina
21. Teddy Wilson
22. Jack Bowen
23. Harry Potter