NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has been impressed with the development of Teddy Wilson, eager to encourage his development as the scrumhalf earns a rare start.
Wilson will start this Saturday against the Chiefs, his first in 2026, as he continues his apprenticeship under Wallabies regular Jake Gordon.
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The 23-year-old started seven games in 2025 when Gordon was injured, limited to just 22 minutes per game.
This included scoring one of the tries of the season as the Waratahs stunned the Chiefs 21-14 in Sydney almost 12 months ago.
The former Junior Wallabies skipper started for Australia A at the end of 2025 against Japan XV, with McKellar impressed with his progression as an all-rounder.
"His running game is a clear strength, while he is an outstanding defender, but the most pleasing thing with 'Ted' has been the development of his core skill, kicking his passing game, where it's come in the last 12-18 months," he told reporters.
"It's been something he's worked really hard on and to see that growth just makes him want to work harder again so he's quickly becoming a very good nine.
"...Jake's been excellent for us so we've got two quality nines. We need to make sure that we're burning the candle at both ends with Jake, but also at the same time making sure we're developing Teddy, understanding that we're going there to win the game.
"We feel Teddy, as he was in 2025, will do a good job for us starting."
Wilson's elevation is one of a trio of changes to the starting side, with Triston Reilly and Charlie Gamble also elevated to start.
The win last year broke an eight-game losing streak against the Chiefs, continuing McKellar's purple patch against the Hamilton-based side.
He tasted success with the Brumbies in 2019, 2020 and 2022, nailing down the non-negotiables if they wish to continue this run of form.
"You've got to defend well and reduce their turnover opportunity," McKellar explained.
"They showed that against the Crusaders who had a chance to pin them on their try line, clocked off on their inside and all of a sudden we're underneath their sticks.
"You've got to defend really well and understand that if you do defend well because of how they play, you'll get opportunity and attack but if you fall off tackles and get lazy, then they'll quickly run up a score."
The Chiefs enter the contest without Damian McKenzie (concussion), with Liam Coombes-Fabling named to start.
WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Dan Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Teddy Wilson, Jack Debreczeni, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway, Sid Harvey
Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Jack Barrett, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Jamie Adamson, Jake Gordon, Jack Bowen, George Poolman
