NSW Waratahs team to host Hurricanes

Apr 29 • General News, Super Rugby • 2185 Views • Comments Off on NSW Waratahs team to host Hurricanes

Photo (Supplied): Wycliff Palu and Pat McCutcheon modelling the 2014 NSW Waratahs’ charity jersey being worn for the game against the Hurricanes

Inspirational No. 8 Wycliff Palu will return to the starting line-up as the NSW Waratahs bid to blow the conference-leading Hurricanes off course at Allianz Stadium this Saturday.

After the disappointment of last weekend’s Auckland loss, the Waratahs are determined to keep their 100% Allianz Stadium 2014 record alive and record their first win over the Canes since 2010.

‘’We are aiming for consistency every week and will be looking to fix up our handling errors and our commitment to detail in finishing off the chances we make,” said assistant coach Nathan Grey.

Palu is one of three new faces and five positional changes in the starting XV for the clash with the New Zealand conference leaders, who sit two points and three places above the Tahs on the competition ladder. He’s joined in the run-on side by wing Matt Carraro, favoured over Cam Crawford, and Paddy Ryan, who takes over from Sekope Kepu.

The team will run out in their new 2014 charity jersey for this match, will every players’ match-worn jersey signed and auctioned online after the final whistle. All proceeds will go to supporting the Trytons rugby team and Rugby Connect, a sporting program for children with intellectual difficulties.

It’s three weeks since Palu has started a game (the veteran No. 8 missed out on the Stormers, Force and Bulls games before making his return off the bench last week against the Blues at Eden Park) and flanker and vice-captain Michael Hooper says his inclusion can’t be over-estimated.
“First of all, it’s great motivation having Cliff back, it will be nice to have the big man back,” said Hooper. “His physicality and the opposition knowing he’s in the team is a good to have.”

Looking to end a two-game losing streak to the Canes, Palu’s inclusion forces skipper Dave Dennis to blindside flanker, with Hooper remaining at openside.
Jacques Potgieter will move to lock to partner Kane Douglas, with Will Skelton coming off the bench.

Up front, Sekope Kepu has made way for Paddy Ryan at tighthead, Benn Robinson is on the openside, with Tatafu Polota Nau playing hooker.
There’s just one change to the backline with Matt Carraro, who spent five seasons in Europe before returning to the Waratahs in 2014, replaces Cam Crawford on the wing for his first starting role of the season.

After a slow start to the season, a string of wins has seen the Hurricanes surge to the top of the New Zealand conference.

“They’re certainly playing some really good football. They’ve changed their style of attack and how they go about things and it seems to be working for them,” said Waratahs centre Adam Ashley-Cooper.

“So they’re certainly competing up there with the Chiefs and they’re obviously leading the New Zealand conference ladder for a reason. They’re a good team.

“For us, it’s a really big game. We’re at home, we need to win. Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted last week and I feel this game could define our season.”

Tickets for the Asteron Life Super Rugby Round 12 match at Allianz Stadium next Saturday (May 3, kick-off 7.40pm) are available now, priced from just $20 for adults.

NSW Waratahs team to play the Hurricanes
Saturday May 3, Allianz Stadium (7.40pm)

NSW Waratahs: 1. Benn Robinson (Eastwood), 2. Tatafu Polota Nau (Parramatta), 3. Paddy Ryan (Sydney University), 4. Kane Douglas (Southern Districts) 5. Jacques Potgieter (Eastern Suburbs), 6. Dave Dennis (Sydney University, captain), 7. Michael Hooper (Manly), 8. Wycliff Palu (Manly), 9. Nick Phipps (Sydney University), 10. Bernard Foley (Sydney University), 11. Rob Horne (Southern Districts), 12. Kurtley Beale (Randwick), 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Northern Suburbs), 14. Matt Carraro (Randwick), 15. Israel Folau (Sydney University).

Replacements (two to be omitted): 16. Tolu Latu (Sydney University), 17. Jeremy Tilse (Sydney University), 18. Sekope Kepu (Randwick), 19. Will Skelton (Sydney University) 20. Pat McCutcheon (Sydney University), 21. Stephen Hoiles, 22. Brendan McKibbin (Eastern Suburbs), 23. Jono Lance (Eastern Suburbs), 24. Cam Crawford (Northern Suburbs), 25. Alofa Alofa (West Harbour).