Waratahs v Highlanders: Teams
Captain Phil Waugh returns from injury to be part of a new-look 'Tahs back row for the clash with the Highlanders.
Last Updated: 10/06/11 10:20am
Captain Phil Waugh returns from a hamstring injury as the Waratahs field a new-look back row for the clash with the Highlanders.
Waugh is joined at the back of the pack by fit-again number eight Wycliff Palu, while flanker Dave Dennis is promoted to a starting berth.
There was a further boost for the home side on Friday when Benn Robinson (foot), Lachie Turner (hamstring) and Dean Mumm (calf) all came through the captain's Run unscathed.
However, Ryan Cross and Sekope Kepu are both still sidelined and Kane Douglas is serving a two-week suspension.
"We've come back from South Africa with fewer players available than when we left, but getting Phil and Cliffy back is definitely a boost for us," said head coach Chris Hickey.
"We've been able to select the same backline which gives us some good continuity there, and with Benn Robinson being fit we've been able to stick to the same front row.
Good combination
"Dean and Sita have formed a good combination in the second row this season and while we've got a new back row there's no doubt with the players there that it will be one of our strengths."
Highlanders, meanwhile, have decided to drop scrum-half Jimmy Cowan from their starting XV.
The New Zealand international makes way for Aaron Smith as the visitors field a fresh half-back combination, with Tony Brown filling in for Liam Sopoaga at fly-half.
There are also two changes in the pack following the defeat to the Western Force in Dunedin last time out.
Hooker Jason Rutledge and prop Bronson Murray are handed starting berths in place of Mo Schwalger and Chris King fall to the bench, who both drop down to join Cowan on the bench.
Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Tom Carter, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Sosene Anesi, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Sitaleki Timani, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Pat O'Connor, 19 Chris Alcock, 20 Hugh Perrett, 21 Josh Holmes, 22 Atieli Pakalani.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Tony Brown, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Bronson Murray, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie Mackintosh. (c).
Replacements: 16 Mo Schwalger, 17 Chris King, 18 Nick Crosswell, 19 John Hardie, 22 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Telusa Veainu.
