Waratahs ring the changes for ‘another crack’ at Super Rugby AUS glory

NSW Waratahs coach Lachlan McCaffrey has made seven changes to the First XV that fell to the Western Force 17-12 last weekend, with scrum-half Teddy Wilson among the returnees for the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final in Perth.

Wilson was rested for the final-round match at Warringah Rugby Club, following a busy Super Rugby Pacific season and helping Easts take out the Shute Shield title. But the former Australia U20 captain is back in the mix, as the Tahs prepare to face the Force yet again.

It was a top-of-the-table clash when the sides met less than a week ago, with the winner earning the right to host the big dance. For the second time in 12 months, the Force will host the decider, with the Tahs looking to go back-to-back as champions.

Coach McCaffrey has made four changes to the forward pack, with prop Edwin Langi and lock Tom Girle joining the tight five. Backrowers Joe Mangelsdorf and Marshall Le Maitre have also come into the run-on side.

Wilson will wear the No. 9 jersey, while Randwick centres Charlie Bird and Nick Chan get their chance in the First XV. There are five Shute Shield players in the starting side, and a few Super Rugby Pacific squad members.

“We are in the same boat as we were last year before the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final, with two wins and one loss through the regular rounds,” McCaffrey said.

“We will learn more after a loss like we had against the Force at the weekend. It is better preparation for a final, as we can take learnings from it and put them into practise in training this week.

“In terms of selection, we’ve gone with strong combinations with seven Academy and five Shute Shield players chosen to start who are hungry to compete and prove themselves at this next level.

“We have fond memories of going over to Perth for the final last year and we will have another crack to become back-to-back Super Rugby AUS champions.”

Langi starts at tighthead prop, packing down up front with loosehead prop Tom Lambert and hooker Ethan Dobbins. Eamon Doyle captains the side from lock, also joined in the pack by Isaac Fonua at No. 8.

Wilson will link up with reigning Super Rugby AUS Player of the Tournament Max Burey in the halves, with Bird and Chan in the centres. Otto Serfontein and Freedom Vahaakolo line up on the wings, with Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong starting at fullback.

NSW Waratahs side for 2026 Super Rugby AUS Grand Final

1. Tom Lambert

2. Ethan Dobbins

3. Edwin Langi

4. Eamon Doyle (c)

5. Tom Girle

6. Joe Mangelsdorf

7. Marshall Le Maitre

8. Isaac Fonua

9. Teddy Wilson

10. Max Burey

11. Otto Serfontein

12. Charlie Bird

13. Nick Chan

14. Freedom Vahaakolo

15. Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong

Replacements:

16. Folau Faingaa

17. Brady Dawson

18. Will Goddard

19. Miles Amatosero

20. Angus Scott-Young

21. Luke Reimer

22. Oniti Finau

23. Ben Fuhiniu

24. Hadley Tonga

25. Joe Dillon