Waratahs rest their captain after Sunwolves shocker
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs have named some changes to their starting line up ahead of Round Eight of Super Rugby where they’ll travel to Auckland to take on the Blues.
Bernard Foley, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Jack Dempsey all return to the starting line up after being rested last weekend, with captain Michael Hooper to be rested for this weekend’s clash. Will Miller returns from injury and will start at 7.
Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson said the team were naturally disappointed with their performance last weekend and they are determined to deliver more consistent performances for the season.
“There is no taking away from the disappointment the squad felt after last weekend’s performance… but we have to look forward as we have a job ahead of us against the Blues.
“We know our intent and intensity just wasn’t there last week and that’s what each player will need to focus on come Saturday night.
“The team is looking forward to playing to the Blues at one of the most iconic rugby grounds in the world, Eden Park. We have confidence we’ve prepared well this week and now we need to deliver,” said Gibson.
Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Cam Clark, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Will Miller, 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Ned Hanigan, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Harry Johnson-Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Tuala, 17 Rory O’Connor, 18 Chris Talakai, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Lachlan Swinton, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Kurtley Beale, 23 Lalakai Foketi.
Date: Saturday, April 6
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 Sydney time; 06.35 GMT)
Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
