Sydney - The Waratahs have named some changes to their starting line up ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Blues in Acukland.
Kick-off is at 08:35 (SA time).
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 No 7.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said the team were naturally disappointed with their loss to the Sunwolves last weekend.
"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," Gibson told the Waratahs' official website.
“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.
With Hooper rested, the Waratahs are yet to confirm their captain for the Blues clash.
Teams:
Blues
15 Melani Nanai, 14 Caleb Clarke, 13 TJ Faiane, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Otere Black, 9 Jonathan Ruru, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson (co-captain), 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (co-captain), 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 James Parsons, 1 Alex Hodgman
Substitutes: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Marcel Renata, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Dalton Papalii, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Michael Collins
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
Substitutes: 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
