2024 FRIDAY MARCH 8th. ALLIANZ STADIUM SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
Team Line-ups and Changes
Waratahs
Max Jorgensen, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perse, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Ned Hanigan, Hugh Sinclair, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Mahe Vailanu, Angus Bell.
Replaements. Julian Heaven, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Tom Ross, Miles Amatosero, Ferus-Lee Warner, Teddy Wilson, Harry Wilson, Mosese Tuipulotu.
Highlanders
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele’a, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Rhys Patchell, Folau Fakatava; Hugh Renton, Nikora Broughton, Tom Sanders, Max Hicks, Fabian Holland, Jermaine Ainsley, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot
Replaements. Ricky Jackson, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Jonah Lowe
Referee. Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees. Matt Kellahan, James Palmer
Waratahs’ Lineup Changes
Wallabies centre Izaia Perese will return from concussion to start in a buoyant Waratahs side following their upset win against the Crusaders.
Perese replaces Harry Wilson in the NSW starting lineup while Triston Reilly comes in for Dylan Pietsch on the left wing.
Highlanders’ Discipline and Team Adjustments
The Highlanders have dropped captain Billy Harmon and flanker Sean Withy to the bench against the Waratahs for disciplinary reasons.
“A couple of players this week were late for a team meeting. Part of our standards this year is no matter who it is, it’s unacceptable and you lose your place in the team,” Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said.
Ethan de Groot will captain the Highlanders, who have made two key changes to the loose forwards.
Former Crusader Tom Sanders is set to debut in the No 6 jersey and Nikora Broughton to start at No 7.
There are no specialist locks in the reserves, which means that Hugh Renton is likely to provide cover in the engine room.
The well-performing backline is unchanged, although halfback James Arscott is set to make his first appearance of the season off the bench.
Match Prediction
Keep your eye on the 15 jersey where Highlanders sensation Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will joust with the hottest young property in Australian rugby Max Jorgensen. This will be a tight match I feel, with the Waratahs looking for a second Kiwi scalp after knocking off the Crusaders last week.
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