ALLIANZ STADIUM,SYDNEY
This is tough to pick. On the plus side, one of these two struggling teams will find a way to pick up a much needed win, however only one will feel good about recording a victory here.
Tipped by many to take a big step forward in a World Cup year, the Waratahs have been arguably the competition’s most disappointing side with just one win over the Drua in Melbourne to their name. The Tah’s are one from five, so I guess this is do or die for them.
Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase may be a key figure. He’s the guy beating the most defenders and dishing the most offloads. Play hasn’t always reached his wing, but he’s got three tries to show for 2023.
WARATAHS (1-15):
Tom Lambert, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper, Taleni Seu, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen
RESERVES: Mahe Vailanu, Te Tera Faulkner, Dan Botha, Zac Von Appen, Will Harris, Teddy Wilson, Joey Walton, Harry Wilson
The Force have unearthed some good recruits in halfback Gareth Simpson, five-try winger Zach Kibirige and centre Sam Spink, all from the English Premiership.
Simpson has proved a spark and he employs the blindside very effectively.
Having just fallen short in Canberra, the Waratahs recognise they will have to deliver an 80-plus minute performance to get across the line against a gutsy Force side.
While the Force have claimed just two wins, they’ve shown a willingness to stay in the fight. Indeed, there sole two victories this year have come with last-minute winners against the Rebels and Moana Pasifika. They were also competitive against the Highlanders, 43-35, and the Hurricanes, 45-42, before losing both.
FORCE (1-15):
Tom Robertson, Tom Horton, Santaigo Medrano, Jackson Pugh, Jeremy Williams, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Jacob Norris, Gareth Simpson, Jake Strachan, Zach Kibirige, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Manasa Mataele, Chase Tiatia
RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu’u, Angus Wagner, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Felix Kalapu, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Matt Kellahan
PREDICTION.
Well, the Waratahs should be favorite, and in theory should win this but they look so ordinary at times. Still they should scrape home by about 5 points. If you can find a site that gives the Force a points start then look at it seriously. Maybe 8.5 point start would be handy.
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