Robinson to make history in Brumbies showdown

Jun 24 • General News, Super Rugby • 2513 Views • Comments Off on Robinson to make history in Brumbies showdown

Benn Robinson will make NSW history on Saturday night when he runs out against the Brumbies at ANZ Stadium in the crunch match for top spot in the Australian conference.

Today named in the starting XV, Robinson will earn his 130th NSW cap and join fellow NSW legend Al Baxter as the state’s second most capped player of all time, behind former captain Phil Waugh (136).

Fans are being encouraged to wear their colours and turn ANZ Stadium blue for the night. Tickets for the game are available now from waratahs.com.au and are priced from just $20 for adults, with special family passes available for just $40 online here using promo code FAMILY (choose the silver option).

Coach Michael Cheika has made just one change to the starting side that beat defending champions the Chiefs in their last outing back in round 16, with Wallaby prop Sekope Kepu starting at tighthead in place of the hard-hitting Paddy Ryan.

Internationals Jacques Potgieter and Kane Douglas will wear the number four and five jerseys respectively, with Wallaby debutant Will Skelton expected to make an impact from the NSW bench.

The Waratahs’ loose forwards remain untouched, with Michael Hooper and Wycliff Palu returning from Wallaby camp to join captain Dave Dennis in the battle against the ACT.

In-form halves Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley will look to unleash potent midfield duo Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper, who also return to NSW after helping the Wallabies secure a three-Test clean sweep over the French.

Winger Rob Horne will be accompanied by fellow speedster Alofa Alofa, with Israel Folau holding on to the fullback jersey and completing a dangerous back three.

Cheika has named an extended bench that features newcomer Taqele Naiyaravoro as well as fit-again Tolu Latu.

NSW Waratahs team to take on the Brumbies at ANZ Stadium on Saturday June 28: 1. Benn Robinson (Eastwood), 2.Tatafu Polota Nau (Parramatta), 3. Sekope Kepu (Randwick), 4. Jacques Potgieter (Eastern Suburbs), 5. Kane Douglas (Southern Districts), 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. Alofa Alofa (West Harbour), 15 Israel Folau (Sydney University).

Replacements (one to be omitted): 16. Tolu Latu (Sydney University), 17. Jeremy Tilse (Sydney University), 18. Paddy Ryan (Sydney University), 19. Will Skelton (Sydney University), 20. Stephen Hoiles (Randwick), 21. Brendan McKibbin (Eastern Suburbs), 22. Jono Lance (Eastern Suburbs), 23.Taqele Naiyaravoro (Parramatta), 24. Cam Crawford (Northern Suburbs)