Waratahs opt for 'losing' formula again
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs will host the Melbourne Rebels at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Round Four of Super Rugby AU this Friday.
Coach Rob Penney has named the same starting XV that fell agonisingly short of victory against the Brumbies last week.
Tom Horton maintains his place in the starting side after scoring his first try in Super Rugby in Round Three, while Joey Walton will continue in midfield alongside Karmichael Hunt.
Another potential Super Rugby AU debutant joins the bench, with Joe Cotton named in place of Robbie Abel.
He joins Junior Wallaby teammates Ben Donaldson and Mark Nawaqanitawase on the reserves.
Jake Gordon makes his long-awaited return from injury via the bench after overcoming a troublesome hamstring issue, while Jed Holloway could make his first appearance in Super Rugby AU.
Waratahs: 15 Jack Maddocks, 14 James Ramm, 13 Joey Walton, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Will Harrison, 9 Mitch Short, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Rob Simmons (captain), 4 Ned Hanigan, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Tom Horton, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Joe Cotton, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Chris Talakai, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Jed Holloway, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 23 Ben Donaldson.
Date: Friday, July 24
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.05 AEST (09.05 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees: Amy Perrett, Reuben Keane
TMO: Ian Smith
