The Waratahs have been forced to name a side for Saturday’s clash in the Shark tank that doesn’t include leading try scorer Israel Folau at fullback; the former league player who has been one of the Super Rugby tournament’s form men in these early rounds has had to stay behind in Sydney due to a blow to the throat he took against the Rebels.
Coach Michael Cheika will be a confident man all the same – he has managed to retain the key attacking axis of Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale at 10-12 for this top of the table clash and will relish the opportunity to see his men in action against what is now sure to be a disrupted Sharks inside back division.
Former Reds player Jonno Lance comes in for his first Waratahs start at fullback, with Rob Horne replacing Alofa Alofa at left wing in the only other change to the starting back division.
Cheika has shuffled the deck a little up front too, moving Jacques Potgieter into the second row (from flank) and Dave Dennis onto the blindside from number 8. Wycliff Palu steps into the number 8 jersey, while Benn Robinson rotates with Paddy Ryan and will start at loosehead prop.
Cheika is yet to confirm his bench.
Waratahs: 15 Jonno Lance, 14 Rob Horne, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Peter Betham, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis (captain), 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Jacques Potgieter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: to be announced
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So sad….. 😈
What is this I read that Gert Small was on his way to DBN to help JW at the Sharks, and then got turned down becouse the Sharks already appointed their own personel? klink soos ‘n regte Boetie boetie storie die.
@Uli Boelie (Comment 2) : I read it too. Big Huge Massive loss. He could have taken over when JW inevitably leaves.
No FALUA great News 🙂
Gert Small on his way would have been the best news ever. but if JAKE AND jOHN HAD SOME REAL BALLS. They would have got Mr Plum, as the best forwards Coach on the planet to sort the boys. He won the Six Nations for Ireland. Leading the Pack is where he needs to be and Stay. I can see him as All Black Pack Doctor one day…then we are dead!!!
@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 3) : JW will only leave after the 2015 wc, when most international teams will be looking at someone else to make their wc hopes a reality. International teams will not be hiring before wc 2015 is over.
By that time, Rob du Preez and James Small would have won the Varsity cup two times with Pukke, and ready to step into the structures created by JW.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 5) : or Sean Everitt and Paul Anthony?
No Folau but thats still a very good Tahs side. Sharks will have to be at their best. And we dont have the best record of late against the Tahs.
@robdylan (Comment 6) : That’s probably the plan, but there is no denying the turnaround du Preez and Small has made to the Pukke…is this their first year coaching them?
Though with du Preez there obviously comes the danger of nepotism, which would be regrettable.
GERT sMALL IS ON HIS WAY TO THE STORMERS according to their useless management….they would kill me if they read this Blog….
@SheldonK (Comment 7) : True. Tahs are to us what we are to the Blues. Great team. Its that Michael Hooper that scares me most
@BoerSeun (Comment 9) : Du Preez is a excellent Coach, he was a great Rugby Player, a Good Businessman I can see him reaching high achievements a coach. I hope the Bulls dont grab him and his ‘Stock’. heard funny roomers from the Bulls camps 3 weeks ago. they are also looking at Major changes to personnel. I think every union is looking at the Sharks and following suit.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 8) : Du Preez is a excellent Coach, he was a great Rugby Player, a Good Businessman I can see him reaching high achievements a coach. I hope the Bulls dont grab him and his ‘Stock’. heard funny roomers from the Bulls camps 3 weeks ago. they are also looking at Major changes to personnel. I think every union is looking at the Sharks and following suit.
Win or lose, this will be a test of character for the Sharks. Very interested to see what Jake has cooking. Really hope he can lift the team’s spirit after losing both Cobus and Pat in one week.
@Uli Boelie (Comment 2) : @West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 3) : Where did you read this, please supply link if possible.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 5) : Pukke nearly saw their backsides at home to NMMU last night.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 14) : Ok found it.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 14) : http://www.supersport.com/rugby/super-rugby/news/140324/Smal_set_for_WP_directorship
Hope Im allowed to do that?
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 15) : Yeah I read this morning, never saw the game. But winning a game in the dying minutes shows character and belief, and will set them up well for the final – home final at that.
Can’t think traveling to Potch is fun, especially for the Capetonians.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 19) : Pukke should take it, they have been very impressive so far. NMMU played with massive heart and I personally would not have minded them winning the game – I like underdogs.
And then UCT destroys the Maties again, I seriously dont know what is going on in the Bosch but there is no way that UCT should ever beat Maties twice within as many months.
@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 17) : Thanks.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 20) : Maties ruled Varsity Cup at its inception and the comp became a bit of a one horse race, but now they’re not even able to reach the semi’s.
They started losing ground when Jourie Roux went over to SARU, not sure which other changes took place, but they have gone miles backwards.
@robdylan (Comment 6) : BTW Rob Sean asked me a question re you on Saturday, was wanting to know where the Dylan comes from?
Told him I was not sure 😀
@sharks_lover (Comment 23) : wonder if I should be flattered or concerned that you guys talk about me 🙂
Robdylan is kind of my “stage name”…. it was given to me by some friends at varsity because I played the guitar.
@robdylan (Comment 24) : 😆 cool bro, and nothing but good stuff spoken lol
@sharks_lover (Comment 25) : he’s a great oke. I think we have a lot of mutual respect there.
Phew! But a bummer for my fantasy league team!!