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Moana Pasifika
45
Match Complete
NSW Waratahs
28
| P. Pellegrini |  | 77 | ||
| S. T. Ta'eiloa |  | 76 | ||
| F. Inisi | | 67 | ||
| P. Pellegrini | | 65 | ||
| W. Havili | | 64 | ||
| P. Pellegrini | | 60 | ||
| P. Pellegrini | | 59 | ||
| 58 | | L. Creighton | ||
| 57 | | T. Wilson | ||
| F. Sae-Ta'ufo'ou | | 51 | ||
| P. Pellegrini | | 43 | ||
| 43 | | L. Creighton | ||
| F. Sae-Ta'ufo'ou | | 43 | ||
| 42 | | A. Kellaway | ||
| P. Pellegrini | | 32 | ||
| F. Sae-Ta'ufo'ou | | 31 | ||
| 23 | | L. Creighton | ||
| 22 | | T. Reilly | ||
| 5 | | L. Creighton | ||
| 4 | | T. Reilly |
| 7 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 4 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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Rising prop Daniel Botha will start ahead of Taniela Tupou amid seven changes to the Waratahs’ side for Saturday’s important clash against Moana Pasifika in New Zealand (12.05pm AEDT). Join The Roar for live scores and updates.
After last week’s heavy loss against the Hurricanes, the Waratahs quickly need to respond with a daunting second half of the season to follow for Dan McKellar’s side.
Angus Bell is one of only two tight-five figures from last week named to start, with Ethan Dobbins given a chance in the No.2 jersey. Julian Heaven will come off the bench, with Dave Porecki still sidelined.
“We believe Dan will provide a solid set-piece foundation and physicality to start the game,” McKellar said.
“Then we have the luxury of bringing in a player like Taniela Tupou in the final 30 minutes to make a big impact.
On the decision to bench Tupou, McKellar said he wanted the giant prop to come on and influence the game in the second half.
“I had a good conversation with Taniela about this selection,” McKellar said.
“He understands that he has a massive role to play when he comes on, bringing energy, power, and leadership in that crucial final period.
“His ability to change the momentum of a game is a real asset for us.”
The other tight-five change sees Hugh Sinclair return to the pack.
The halves remain the same with Lawson Creighton fit to resume his time in the No.10 jersey despite being forced off early last week.
There’s a new look midfield, with Lalakai Foketi joining Henry O’Donnell in the centres after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was shifted back to fullback after Max Jorgensen’s injury. Andrew Kellaway returns on the wing and is also joined in the side by Triston Reilly.
“Joseph is a natural athlete with great vision and a strong defensive game,” McKellar said.
“He can provide the stability and counter-attacking ability we need at fullback, particularly against a team that likes to play expansively like Moana Pasifika.”
On the bench, Jack Bowen gets a chance with Tane Edmed rotated out of the side.
Tana Umaga has lost in-form midfielder Miracle Faiʻilagi to a hamstring injury, but regained breakout winger Kyren Taumoefolau.
The fleet-footed winger has returned from a shoulder injury as Moana Pasifika seek back-to-back wins for the first time.
Taumoefolau missed last week’s 45-29 win over the Crusaders but is back on the wing. Fine Inisi also returns via the bench while captain Ardie Savea shifts to openside flanker in a tweaked back-row.
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa starts at No .8 and Semisi Paea moves to blindside flanker, with Faiʻilagi sidelined. Centre Pepesana Patafilo (concussion) also joins the injury list.
Moana (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Sam Slade, Allan Craig, Semisi Paea, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fine Inisi
Waratahs (1-15): Angus Bell, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Hugh Sinclair, Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Lalakai Foketi, Henry O’Donnell, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Julian Heaven, Issac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Joey Walton
Referee: James Doleman
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.