Palu boosts starting line-up for Friday blockbuster against the Highlanders

Mar 16 • General News, Super Rugby • 1165 Views • Comments Off on Palu boosts starting line-up for Friday blockbuster against the Highlanders

Head Coach Daryl Gibson has named his team for this Friday’s Round Four match against the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium.

Following a bye in round three, Gibson has stuck with the same back-line for the highly-anticipated battle between the 2014 and 2015 Super Rugby Champions.

Two changes have been made in the forwards for the Tahs’ first encounter with New Zealand visitors this season.

Wycliff Palu will make his first start for the year, running on to bolster the side in the number eight jersey.

Hooker, Tolu Latu comes in for the injured Tatafu Polota-Nau, after he fractured his arm during the Waratahs’ last match against the Brumbies in round two.

Former NRL flyer, Reece Robinson has been given another chance to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench in what is expected to be a fast-paced spectacle of rugby.

The reserves list has been boosted with local front row stock, Hugh Roach and emerging prospect, Tom Robertson from country NSW, who also has the opportunity to make his first Super Rugby appearance for the Waratahs from the bench.

The NSW Waratahs team for the match against the Highlanders this Friday 18th March, 7:40pm AEDT at Allianz Stadium is below. (Super Rugby caps are in brackets).

Tickets are available at www.ticketek.com.au/waratahs.

1. Paddy Ryan (64 caps)
2. Tolu Latu (30 caps)
3. Angus Ta’avao (50 caps)
4. Dean Mumm (88 caps)
5. Will Skelton (41 caps)
6. David Dennis (VC, 94 caps)
7. Michael Hooper (C, 83 caps)
8. Wycliff Palu (122 caps)
9. Nick Phipps (84 caps)
10. Kurtley Beale (117 caps)
11. Zac Guildford (81 caps)
12. David Horwitz (2 caps)
13. Rob Horne (91 caps)
14. Matt Carraro (42 caps)
15. Israel Folau (47 caps)
Reserves
16. Hugh Roach (8 caps)
17. Jeremy Tilse (50 caps)
18. Tom Robertson (potential Super Rugby/ NSW debut)
19. Sam Lousi (6 caps)
20. Jed Holloway (6 caps)
21. Jack Dempsey (5 caps)
22. Matt Lucas (14 caps)
23. Reece Robinson (potential Super Rugby / NSW debut)