Waratahs roll out all-new front-row for ‘different beast’ Crusaders

NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has named an all-new front-row to tackle defending Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders in Christchurch, in what will be the first match played at the all-new One New Zealand Stadium.

Capped Wallabies Isaac Kailea and Folau Faingaa join Siosifa Amone in a front-row trio that has started just one match between them this season. Kailea and Faingaa both scored tries in last weekend’s win over Moana Pasifika in Sydney.

Tahs captain Matt Philip partners Miles Amatosero in the second row once again, with Angus Blyth providing cover on the bench. Angus Scott-Young has been retained at blindside flanker, with Charlie Gamble and Pete Samu completing the loose forwards trio.

Jake Gordon and Jack Debrzeni are the halves pairing, with Lawson Creighton lining up at inside centre in consecutive appearances. Creighton will link up with Joey Walton in the centres, who is coming off a solid performance against Moana.

Super Rugby Pacific Rookie of the Year leader Sid Harvey shifts from fullback to wing, swapping places with Max Jorgensen, who hasn’t started in the No. 15 jersey all season. Andrew Kellaway lines up in the back three on the other wing.

“The Crusaders will be a different beast on Friday night over there in front of 30,000 of their fans,” McKellar said.

“It’s a challenge that we’re really excited about, there’s definitely an opportunity for us there. We’ve put together a good plan around how we want to approach this game.

“The players know that it’s certainly going to be played at a high intensity. It’ll be as close to a Test match as we’ll get to play in at Super Rugby level, with a sold-out stadium and plenty of good players throughout both teams.

“From what I’m hearing, there is a buzz around Christchurch for Super Round. In a brand new, beautiful stadium, with all the teams in one city.

“I think it’s going to be a great week for Super Rugby Pacific. For us personally, it’s a challenge that we need for the competition. It’s a real shot in the arm before we start to get close towards finals.”

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Crusaders

35 - 20

Full-time

Waratahs

All Stats and Data

McKellar has gone with a 6-2 split on the bench, with Teddy Wilson and Triston Reilly providing cover for the backline. Wilson was brought on as a temporary wing replacement during the first half against Moana, before returning later at scrum-half.

New South Wales have a solid recent record against the Crusaders, having won three of their last five meetings against the serial champions. The Crusaders are looking to bounce back after losing to the Western Force in Perth last Saturday.

NSW Waratahs to face the Crusaders

1. Isaac Kailea

2. Folau Faingaa

3. Siosifa Amone

4. Matt Philip ©

5. Miles Amatosero

6. Angus Scott-Young

7. Charlie Gamble

8. Pete Samu

9. Jake Gordon

10. Jack Debreczeni

11. Sid Harvey

12. Lawson Creighton

13. Joey Walton

14. Andrew Kellaway

15. Max Jorgensen

Replacements:

16. Ioane Moananu

17. Tom Lambert

18. Dan Botha

19. Angus Blyth

20. Clem Halaholo

21. Jamie Adamson

22. Teddy Wilson

23. Triston Reilly