Beale to lead Waratahs for first time
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs will play out of Wollongong for the first time in their history, hosting the Chiefs at WIN Stadium on Friday.
Waratahs head coach, Rob Penney has been forced into several changes to the side that ran out winners over the Lions, namely on account of injury.
Rob Simmons (ankle), Jake Gordon (knee), Mark Nawaqnaitawase (back) and Tom Robertson (back) have all been omitted from the Round Six squad. However, their injures are not considered serious.
Ryan McCauley, Mitch Short and James Ramm all join the starting XV; with Rory O’Connor and three potential debutants in Pat Tafa, Michael McDonald and Siosifa Lisala all joining the bench.
The changes also see Kurtley Beale elevated to the captaincy, the first time he has led his team in Super Rugby with Jack Dempsey appointed vice-captain.
Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale (captain), 14 James Ramm, 13 Alex Newsome, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Jack Maddocks, 10 Will Harrison, 9 Mitch Short, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Tom Staniforth, 4 Ryan McCauley, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Robbie Abel, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Rory O’Connor, 18 Tetera Faulkner, 19 Pat Tafa, 20 Jed Holloway, 21 Michael McDonald, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Siosifa Lisala.
Date: Friday, March 6
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Kick-off: 19.15 (21.15 NZ time; 08.15 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees: Jordan Way, James Quinn
TMO: Ian Smith
