No Jackpot for Sharks
Springbok Jacques Potgieter won't be facing his new team, the Sharks, when they face the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
Potgieter, who has been nicknamed 'Jackpot' by his Waratahs teammates, has been ruled out of the Super Rugby Round 14 encounter with an ankle injury.
The Waratahs head into the match up coming off a disappointing loss to bottom of the conference Western Force on the road.
The Sharks are coming off a game that ended in similar fashion.
The Sharks played terrific rugby in their game against the Hurricanes last week but ultimately lost.
As usual, the talk around the paddock at training was all about the forwards.
Not only are the Tahs facing a strong South African forward pack, but they will have to do so without their fan-favourite – Potgieter.
He was ruled out of the clash just minutes before training on Thursday, with veteran Stephen Hoiles having taken his place.
Hoiles, who was previously thought to have been ruled out for the season with a knee injury, understands that he has to do his part in this week's game.
"Jackpot [Potgieter] and I play a different style of footy," Hoiles said.
"Just because we are wearing the same jumper doesn't mean we play the same," he said.
"I'd probably be doing a disservice to the team if I went around and played like Jacques. While I've got to be physical, I've got to make tackles and hit the rucks and do what is in my skill set."
The Waratahs will need to step up big this weekend given how close the play-offs are.
With just five games left on their schedule, the Tahs are just one point behind Australian Conference leaders the Brumbies and a win against the Sharks could be the start of something good for the boys in blue.
Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Stephen Hoiles, 5 David Dennis (captain), 4 Will Skelton, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements – from: Hugh Roach, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman, Jed Holloway, Jack Dempsey, Tala Gray, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Matt Carraro, Peter Betham.
Date: Saturday, May 16
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.40 (11.40 SA time; 09.40 GMT)
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner, Will Houston
TMO: George Ayoub
