THE return of halfback Nick Phipps to the starting 15, which features Berry’s Will Miller, is the only change to the run-on team for the NSW Waratahs, that will take on the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday, in the penultimate Super Rugby match before the June break.
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NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has also named rookie backrower 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,” Gibson said.
“We can’t get through this tournament without the whole squad contributing and this is his chance,”
In the Chiefs, the NSW Waratahs face an opponent known for their physicality.
“That’s what we are expecting again this weekend,” Gibson said.
“The way they play the game, they are strong in contact and at the breakdown.
“They are also good with ball in hand from loose play so we cannot afford to be loose in any way.
“It is no secret that we like to play positive rugby with the ball in hand, that’s a combination of what we have been doing at training.
“At the same time, we are really trying to tighten up our turnovers because with adventure comes mistakes.”
Gibson said the challenge for the team this weekend is to continue the momentum from last week’s win against the Highlanders.
“Our performance last week was pleasing, and on par with what we were projecting,” he said.
“This weekend we want an even more improved performance because consistency is important.”
Waratahs team to face the Chiefs: 1. Tom Robertson, 2. Damien Fitzpatrick, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Tom Staniforth, 5. Rob Simmons , 6. Will Miller,7. Michael Hooper ©, 8. Michael Wells, 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Taqele Naiyaravoro, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. Curtis Rona, 14. Cam Clark and 15. Israel Folau, 16. Tolu Latu, 17. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18. Paddy Ryan, 19. Jed Holloway, 20. Brad Wilkin, 21. Jake Gordon, 22. Lalakai Foketi and 23. Bryce Hegarty.
