Waratahs receive ‘big boost’ ahead of derby in Canberra

The NSW Waratahs have received “a bit boost” ahead of this weekend’s crunch Aussie derby against the Brumbies in Canberra, with captain Jake Gordon back for the first time since the team’s round four win over the Western Force in Sydney.

Gordon has been sidelined with a medial ligament injury, with former Australia U20s skipper Teddy Wilson stepping up as the team’s starting No. 9, but returned to competitive rugby last weekend in New South Wales’ Shute Shield.

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has welcomed Gordon back as one of several changes to the matchday squad ahead of the clash at GIO Stadium. Wallabies Angus Bell, Rob Leota and Taniela Tupou are also back in the mix after sitting out the Drua match.

Wallaby Lagni Gleeson has also been named in the starting side at No. 8, having played the last Waratahs match off the bench. Bell and Leota will also start, while Tupou has once again been named to come off the pine.

“It’s a big boost for the group to get our captain and leader back, especially in a big game like this,” McKellar said.

“He’s a steady hand, and his presence gives the team confidence.

“He got 40 minutes under his belt for Sydney Uni last weekend and performed well,” McKellar explained.

“He’s had a solid couple of training weeks. So, he’s ready to go.”

Bell joins Ethan Dobbins and Daniel Botha in the front row, while co-captain Hugh Sinclair will partner Ben Grant in middle row. Leota partners Englishman Jamie Adamson and Gleeson as the starting loose forwards trio.

In the backs, Gordon will link up with Lawson Creighton, who continues to impress in 2025. Joey Walton and Lalakai Foketi are the centre pairing, while Triston Reilly and Andrew Kellaway are the two wings. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been retained at fullback.

On the bench, Mahe Vailanu is one to watch, as are Miles Amatosero, Tane Edmed and Henry O’Donnell. Wilson has also been selected on the bench, retained in the matchday squad even though Gordon is back in the team.

“Teddy has started six games in a row. For a young player, that is a lot,” McKellar explained.

“It’s a heavy workload and he has played big minutes within that.

“This week his role will be to come off the bench and continue to perform at the level at which he has performed.

“He’s worked hard on his core skills, and he’s a player who is getting better from the work he is putting in at the background.

“It will be a good one-two punch with Jake and Teddy this week.”

This match at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will kick-off at 7:35 pm AEST on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

34

24

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Waratahs team to take on Brumbies

1. Loosehead Prop                           Angus Bell (Sydney University)
2. Hooker                                          Ethan Dobbins (Sydney University)
3. Tighthead Prop                             Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
4. Left Lock                                       Hugh Sinclair (C) (Northern Suburbs)
5. Right Lock                                    Ben Grant (Sydney University)
6. Left Flanker                                  Rob Leota (Eastern Suburbs)
7. Right Flanker                               Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
8. Number Eight                               Langi Gleeson (Manly)
9. Scrumhalf                                    Jake Gordon (C – Sydney University)
10. Flyhalf                                        Lawson Creighton (Randwick)
11. Left Wing                                   Triston Reilly (Randwick)
12. Inside Centre                            Joey Walton (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre                          Lalakai Foketi (Manly)
14. Right Wing                                Andrew Kellaway (Eastern Suburbs)
15. Fullback                                    Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Eastwood)

Replacements
16. Reserve                                     Mahe Vailanu (Gordon)
17. Reserve                                     Tom Lambert (Sydney University)
18. Reserve                                     Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)
19. Reserve                                     Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)
20. Reserve                                     Leafi Talataina (Sydney University)
21. Reserve                                     Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Reserve                                     Tane Edmed (Eastwood)
23. Reserve                                     Henry O’Donnell (Northern Suburbs)