Waratahs shake it up for Lions
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs coach Rob Penney has made a couple of changes to his winless team for their Super Rugby showdown with the Lions.
The Waratahs, coming off a bye, host the Lions in Round Five at the Western Sydney Stadium, in Parramatta, on Friday.
Penney’s side will be looking to notch their first win of the season – following what is their worst-ever start to a season.
There are two changes to the starting XV that went down to the Rebels in Round Three.
Lachlan Swinton replaces Jed Holloway in the back row.
Mark Nawaqanitawase returns to the wing.
James Ramm joins the bench in place of Cameron Clark, courtesy of some standout performances for the Emerging Waratahs in recent weeks.
Jake Gordon will earn his 50th cap for his home state, while Kurtley Beale will become the most capped player in this fixture – having played in 11 matches between the Tahs and Lions.
Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Alex Newsome, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Jack Maddocks, 10 Will Harrison, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Rob Simmons (captain), 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Robbie Abel, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Tetera Faulkner, 19 Ryan McCauley, 20 Jed Holloway, 21 Mitch Short , 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 James Ramm.
Date: Friday, February 28
Venue: Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta
Kick-off: 19.15 (10.15 SA time; 08.15 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Jordan Way (Australia), James Quinn (Australia)
TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)
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