NSW Waratahs named for first round Super Rugby clash against historic rivals, the Queensland Reds

Feb 24 • General News, Super Rugby • 2273 Views • Comments Off on NSW Waratahs named for first round Super Rugby clash against historic rivals, the Queensland Reds

Head Coach Daryl Gibson has announced his NSW Waratahs team for round one of Super Rugby this Saturday night at Allianz Stadium.

The announcement was made at the Club’s official season launch today in Sydney.

The starting team for the historic 301st rivalry clash includes three players set to make their debut for the NSW Waratahs, including Test-capped All Black Zac Guildford on the wing, NSW rugby pathways star David Horwitz at inside centre, and former Auckland Blues prop, Angus Ta’avao.

The run-on squad is bolstered by experience, with the likes of Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Dean Mumm, Paddy Ryan and Will Skelton amongst the forwards, while Jed Holloway is set to add to his four Super Rugby caps in the number eight jersey.

The Tahs’ first highly-anticipated backline for Super Rugby 2016 is filled with an exciting combination of international experience combined with dependable mainstays, including Israel Folau, Nick Phipps, Kurtley Beale, Matt Carraro and Rob Horne.

Ex-NRL flyer, Reece Robinson and key playmaker, Bryce Hegarty also have their chance to make their NSW debuts off the bench against the Reds this weekend.

The reserves list features an equally impressive mix of talent, including the Waratahs highest capped player, Benn Robinson, Tolu Latu, local young gun Jack Dempsey and recently returned halfback, Matt Lucas.

The last time the NSW Waratahs faced the Queensland Reds in round 18 last year, NSW recorded a solid 31-5 victory.

The NSW Waratahs team to face the Queensland Reds in round one of Super Rugby this Saturday 27th February, 7:40pm at Allianz Stadium is below (Super Rugby caps are in brackets). Tickets are available at www.ticketek.com.au/waratahs.

1. Paddy Ryan (62 caps)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (130 caps)
3. Angus Ta’avao (NSW Waratahs debut – 48 caps)
4. Dean Mumm (86 caps)
5. Will Skelton (39 caps)
6. David Dennis (VC – 92 caps)
7. Michael Hooper (C – 81 caps)
8. Jed Holloway (4 caps)
9. Nick Phipps (82 caps)
10. Kurtley Beale (115 caps)
11. Zac Guildford (NSW Waratahs debut – 79 caps)
12. David Horwitz (NSW Waratahs / Super Rugby debut)
13. Rob Horne (89 caps)
14. Matt Carraro (40 caps)
15. Israel Folau (45 caps)
Reserves
16. Tolu Latu (28 caps)
17. Benn Robinson (144 caps)
18. Jeremy Tilse (48 caps)
19. Sam Lousi (4 caps)
20. Jack Dempsey (3 caps)
21. Matt Lucas (12 caps)
22. Bryce Hegarty (potential NSW Waratahs debut – 33 caps)
23. Reece Robinson (potential NSW Waratahs / Super Rugby debut)