Scrumhalf change for Waratahs

Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has also named rookie loose forward Brad Wilkin on the bench, alongside veteran prop Paddy Ryan.

 

Gibson said Wilkin’s selection was reward for the 23-year-old’s hard work.

 

"Brad is a guy who consistently contributes at training, working away and it’s a great opportunity for him. 

 

We can’t get through this tournament without the whole squad contributing and this is his chance," Gibson said.

 

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Cameron Clark, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Will Miller, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Tom Robertson.    

Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Jed Holloway, 20 Brad Wilkin, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Bryce Hegarty.

 

Date: Saturday, May 26

Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 AEST; 07.35 GMT)

Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Angus Mabey (New Zealand), Cam Stone (New Zealand)

TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)