The Waratahs have been hit with a cruel injury plague, with Berrick Barnes ruled out of the side’s opening game against the Reds on Saturday, with Daniel Halangahu named at pivot, and has been given the captaincy as well.
Sarel Pretorius will play inside the exciting pivot, making for an attacking pair of halfbacks. The team has been boosted by Adam Ashley-Cooper returning to fitness in time to be selected at fullback. The centre combination of Rob Horne and Tom Carter is an exciting one.
In the forwards, Benn Robinson has been named vice-captain and will pack with Polota-Nau and Kepu in the front row, and with Dean Mumm behind them, the tight five looks very strong indeed.
Waratahs: 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper ,14. Tom Kingston ,13. Rob Horne ,12. Tom Carter ,11. Brackin Karauria-Henry ,10. Daniel Halangahu (C)9. Sarel Pretorius ,8. Wycliff Palu ,7. Chris Alcock ,6. Dave Dennis ,5. Dean Mumm ,4. Kane Douglas ,3. Sekope Kepu , 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau ,1. Benn Robinson (VC)
Replacements:16. Damien Fitzpatrick ,17. Paddy Ryan ,18. Lopeti Timani ,19. Jono Jenkins ,20. Brendan McKibbin ,21. Bernard Foley ,22. Nathan Trist
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State of Origin contest. I remember it too the Tahs something like 8 attempts to get off the mark against the Reds back in the days of the S12.
The Tahs still managed to put a decent team on the field despite all the injuries.
When I first watched Daniel Halangahu play I didn’t think he’d stick around for long. Now seasons later he’s captain
@beet (Comment 1) : Yeah, its quite strange to make the replacement FH the cappy.
@beet (Comment 1) :
Interesting choice for captain yes.
I’ve always sorta liked Halangahu. Out of the 4 flyhalves starting 4 Australian sides this weekend, he is probably the best of the lot, funnily enough.
Then again, I thought Sam Norton-Knight was a heck of a good player… same with Tamatai Horua.
@hendrikp (Comment 3) :
I like the look of Harris, and his goal kicking will put him on the top of the list in terms of points scored etc.
Will see how he goes against Halangahu, two very different flyhalves
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 4) :
Didn’t watch the Reds play too often last season, and when I did I paid very little attention to Mike Harris…
But yes, should be interesting to see how they go.
This is a setback.
Had Barnes earmarked for my fantasy league!
Wonder how long he`ll be out.