Bok over Wallaby for Waratahs

 

The Waratahs have had a week off after topping the Super Rugby log, they now lie in wait for the Brumbies who just managed to overcome the Chiefs in their play-off game 32-30.

 

The time off sees tournament top try scorer Israel Folau slot back into the No.15 position.

 

Rob Horne also comes back into the starting line-up on the wing after recovering from illness.

 

Speaking of his choice to drop the prestigious talent that is Skelton, the Waratahs coach was adamant in how important the bench is in such big games.

 

"Rugby has changed so much, back in the day you'd have to be injured to be taken off. Now the replacement players are the matchwinners," Cheika told reporters.

 

"So it's got a whole new scope about what happens and [Skelton] knows how important his role is."

 

After learning his fate Skelton was understanding of his coaches decision, putting the teams needs ahead of his own desires.

 

"Ah mate, that's footie," Skelton responded.

 

"I'd love to start but whatever my role is in the team I'll try and provide impact.

 

"If that's on the bench this week, I'll do my best for the team.

 

"Cheik's harped on about it all year, when the bench comes on it's an impact thing, you've got to lift the intensity."

 

With such depth in his squad Cheika will be bouyed by the fact that his star fullback, Folau, is 100 percent ready for the match, overcoming a corked thigh.

 

"I missed the last game against the Reds. The body's feeling fresh and I'm ready to go," said Folau, who has scored a competition-leading 12 tries in 12 games this season.

 

Should the Waratahs overcome the Brumbies in Sydney this weekend they will progress to the Super Rugby Final where they will wait to host either the Sharks from South Africa or the Crusaders from New Zealand.

 

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Stephen Hoiles, 5 Jacques Potgieter, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.

Replacements: 16 Tola Latu, 17 Paddy Ryan, 18 Jeremy Tilse, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Mitch Chapman, 21 Pat McCutcheon, 22 Brendan McKibbon, 23 Matt Carraro, 24 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 25 Cam Crawford (two to be omitted).

 

Date: Saturday, July 26

Referee: Jaco Peyper

Assistant referees: Craig Joubert, James Leckie

TMO: George Ayoub