Milestones aplenty as Tahs keep same starting side for Brumbies

Mar 2 • General News, Super Rugby • 1152 Views • Comments Off on Milestones aplenty as Tahs keep same starting side for Brumbies

NSW Waratahs Head Coach, Daryl Gibson has made no changes to his starting side for this Friday’s round two blockbuster against the Brumbies in Canberra.

Gibson has opted for the same run-on 15 that helped deliver a bonus point 30-10 win over the Queensland Reds in the opening match at Allianz Stadium last weekend.

It will be a huge match for the Waratahs forwards with lock, Dean Mumm set to celebrate his 100th NSW provincial game, becoming the Waratahs’ highest capped second rower. Mumm made his debut for NSW back in 2004 in Argentina ahead of his Super Rugby debut in 2007.

Returning last year from a stint overseas, Mumm has remained a resolute talent within the NSW Waratahs and a key figure within the team’s leadership group.

Tatafu Polota-Nau will become equal-second highest capped Waratah, together with Phil Waugh on 132 Super Rugby caps, behind the Waratahs’ most-capped, Benn Robinson on 145 Super Rugby caps.

Tighthead prop, Angus Ta’avao will run out for his 50th Super Rugby game, having earned 48 caps with his former Auckland Blues team.

Lining up for his tenth straight season with the NSW Waratahs, Jeremy Tilse may also get the chance to earn his 50th Super Rugby cap this weekend off the bench.

There are two changes to the reserves this week, with the Tahs’ steadfast leader, Wycliff Palu returning as a powerful replacement.

NSW country born prop, Matt Sandell is in line for his debut off the bench, in place of Benn Robinson who suffered a broken nose during last weekend’s match.

The NSW Waratahs team to take on the Brumbies in round two of Super Rugby this Friday 4th March in Canberra is below. (Super Rugby caps are in brackets).

1. Paddy Ryan (63 caps)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (131 caps)
3. Angus Ta’avao (49 caps)
4. Dean Mumm (87 caps – 99 caps for NSW)
5. Will Skelton (40 caps)
6. David Dennis (VC – 93 caps)
7. Michael Hooper (C – 82 caps)
8. Jed Holloway (5 caps)
9. Nick Phipps (83 caps)
10. Kurtley Beale (116 caps)
11. Zac Guildford (80 caps)
12. David Horwitz (1 cap)
13. Rob Horne (90 caps)
14. Matt Carraro (41 caps)
15. Israel Folau (46 caps)
Reserves
16. Tolu Latu (29 caps)
17. Matt Sandell (potential NSW/Super Rugby debut)
18. Jeremy Tilse (49 caps)
19. Sam Lousi (5 caps)
20. Wycliff Palu (121 caps)
21. Jack Dempsey (4 caps)
22. Matt Lucas (13 caps)
23. Bryce Hegarty (34 caps)