The NSW Waratahs have made one change to their starting XV for Saturday’s highly anticipated Round 6 Super Rugby Pacific match against the ACT Brumbies at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar has reinstated powerhouse No. 8 Langi Gleeson to the starting side after he played off the bench in last Saturday's loss to the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Gleeson’s return sees Leafi Talataina move back to the bench as the NSW Waratahs prepare for a physically intense battle against the ACT Brumbies.
McKellar also adjusted his 6-2 bench, introducing prop Daniel Botha to the 'finishers' for his first Super Rugby Pacific appearance this season.
Wallabies prop Isaac Kailea is also named on the bench for his second selection this season, further strengthening the NSW Waratahs' depth up front.
The match will also mark a milestone for openside flanker Charlie Gamble, who will earn his 50th cap for the NSW Waratahs when he starts in the No. 7 jersey.
Speaking on his selections, McKellar cited the importance of consistency in the starting lineup while making strategic changes where necessary.
“Langi came off the bench last week and made a real impact,” McKellar said.
“Leafi showed a lot of promise in his first start and continues to develop, but given the physical nature of this game, Langi was the obvious choice to start.”
McKellar reaffirmed his faith in scrumhalf Teddy Wilson in the No. 9 jersey.
“Teddy did well last week and is gaining valuable experience at scrumhalf,” McKellar said.
“This is a great opportunity for him to continue developing his game at this level.”
On Botha's bench selection, McKellar acknowledged his strong performances in training and the need for a competitive edge in the forward battle.
“Daniel has been working hard under [NSW Waratahs Set Piece coach] Dan Palmer and has shown significant improvement in his scrum work,” McKellar said.
“This will be a big contest up front, and he deserves this opportunity.”
Despite speculation about Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s return from a toe injury, McKellar confirmed the star back will not feature against the ACT Brumbies.
The marquee back has been sidelined since Round 1 against the Highlanders at home and has only recently resumed full training.
“Joseph is back training, but he’s only had one full session with the team,” McKellar said.
“It wouldn’t be fair to throw him in at this stage as he still needs more load in his training before being match-ready.
“He’ll continue to build over the next couple of weeks and should be available for selection against the Hurricanes.”
Meanwhile, the NSW Waratahs have bolstered their squad by signing scrumhalf Michael McDonald as injury cover for Jake Gordon, who remains sidelined with a medial ligament injury.
McDonald, a former NSW Waratahs player who has been released from Ulster for a short-term contract, will provide depth to the squad in the No. 9 position.
“Jake is a week-by-week proposition, and we’ll monitor his recovery closely,” McKellar said.
“Bringing Michael in gives us added experience and security at scrumhalf, while we navigate this period.”
- Loosehead Prop Angus Bell (Sydney University)
2. Hooker David Porecki (Manly)
3. Tighthead Prop Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)
4. Left Lock Hugh Sinclair (c) (Northern Suburbs)
5. Right Lock Ben Grant (Sydney University
6. Left Flanker Rob Leota (Eastern Suburbs)
7. Right Flanker Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)
8. Number Eight Langi Gleeson (Manly)
9. Scrumhalf Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
10. Flyhalf Lawson Creighton (Randwick)
11. Left Wing Max Jorgensen (Randwick)
12. Inside Centre Joey Walton (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre Henry O'Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
14. Right Wing Triston Reilly (Randwick)
15. Fullback Andrew Kellaway (Randwick)
16. Reserve Mahe Vailanu (Gordon)
17. Reserve Isaac Kailea (Randwick)
18. Reserve Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
19. Reserve Felix Kalapu (Northern Suburbs)
20. Reserve Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
21. Reserve Leafi Talataina
22. Reserve Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
23. Reserve Tane Edmed (Eastwood)
Jake Gordon (medial ligament)
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (toe)
Lalakai Foketi (groin)
Fergus Lee-Warner (foot)
Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
When: at 7.35 pm (AEDT) Saturday 22 March 2025
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
To purchase your tickets, click HERE
The game will be televised LIVE on 9Gem and Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
