Holloway, Guildford return for Crusaders clash
Incumbent back row Wycliff Palu, who has been at his imposing best for the team in their last two physical battles against South African outfits, makes way for Jed Holloway this week.
Holloway returns, having made a name for himself as a high-quality ball-runner with impressive statistics this season, after injuring his shoulder two weeks ago.
Also making his way back into the matchday squad is Zac Guildford, who has been injected into the squad after recovering from a broken toe in Round Six.
The speedy wing has since been returning to peak fitness as a star performer for West Harbour, having been a key influence in the side over the last four rounds of the Shute Shield.
David Horwitz will start at inside centre after replacing Kurtley Beale, who was injured one minute into last weekend’s 31-8 bonus point win over the Bulls in Sydney.
Powerful lock Will Skelton will reach a half century of games for his home state of New South Wales this Friday, having played all 50 matches with the Waratahs.
Waratahs: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Reece Robinson, 13 Israel Folau, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Dean Mumm, 5 Will Skelton, 4 David Dennis, 3 Tom Robertson, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Paddy Ryan.
Replacements: 16 Angus Ta’avao, 17 Hugh Roach, 18 Jeremy Tilse, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Wycliff Palu, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 Matt Carraro, 23 Zac Guildford.
Date: Friday, May 20
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 AEST, 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Jaco van Heerden, Kane McBride
TMO: Chris Wratt
