NSW Centurion, Rob Horne amongst four changes to NSW Waratahs for Friday blockbuster against the Chiefs

May 25 • General News, Super Rugby • 1197 Views • Comments Off on NSW Centurion, Rob Horne amongst four changes to NSW Waratahs for Friday blockbuster against the Chiefs

The NSW Waratahs have made four changes to the starting side for their round 14 match against the Chiefs in what is expected to be a blockbuster battle between the New Zealand and Australian Conference leaders at Allianz Stadium this Friday night.
Wycliff Palu has been injected as the Tahs’ number eight in place of Jed Holloway who re-injured his shoulder during last week’s match against the Crusaders. Widely respected as one of the team’s most experienced leaders, Palu continues to make a huge contribution to both the run-on side and the bench this season.

Zac Guildford returns as the starting winger following his standout performance off the bench last week, which saw him cross for his debut try in the NSW jersey to deny his former Crusader teammates a bonus point.

Reliable utility back, Matt Carraro also joins the 15 on the opposite wing, while Rob Horne will play at inside centre for his 100^th game for NSW.

Horne is the third Waratahs player to reach a century of games for NSW this year, having played his whole career for his home state after debuting for the Waratahs back in 2008.

Tough back rower, Jack Dempsey will provide added strength on the Waratahs’ bench for this Friday’s match, back after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in South Africa.

Lock, Will Skelton will notch 50 Super Rugby caps this weekend after running out for the same milestone for NSW games last week.

This Friday’s match will be the last NSW Waratahs Super Rugby match for five weeks as the tournament breaks for the June internationals.

The NSW Waratahs team to take on the Chiefs this Friday 27 May at Allianz Stadium is below (Super Rugby caps are in brackets).

This Friday’s match sees a double header at Moore Park, with the Swans next door at the SCG. Fans are encouraged to make the most of the FREE public transport offer with all NSW Waratahs tickets and memberships, and to get to the game early. Tickets to the match are available at www.waratahs.com.au/tickets.

1. Paddy Ryan (73 caps)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (137 caps)
3. Tom Robertson (9 caps)
4. Dave Dennis (VC – 103 caps)
5. Will Skelton (49 caps)
6. Dean Mumm (97 caps)
7. Michael Hooper (C – 92 caps)
8. Wycliff Palu (131 caps)
9. Nick Phipps (93 caps)
10. Bernard Foley (73 caps)
11. Zac Guildford (85 caps)
12. Rob Horne (98 caps)
13. Israel Folau (56 caps)
14. Matt Carraro (51 caps)
15. Andrew Kellaway (7 caps)

Reserves:
16. Hugh Roach (17 caps)
17. Jeremy Tilse (56 caps)
18. Angus Ta’avao (59 caps)
19. Sam Lousi (13 caps)
20. Jack Dempsey (10 caps)
21. Matt Lucas (23 caps)
22. David Horwitz (9 caps)
23. Reece Robinson (9 caps)