Late changes for the Tahs

The Waratahs have had to make some last minute changes to their front row for the clash with the Brumbies on Saturday, with prop Sekope Kepu and replacement hooker Josh Mann-Rea ruled out.

Mann-Rea broke a thumb at training earlier this week and has been replaced on the bench by John Ulugia, whilst Wallaby tighthead Kepu has not recovered from a calf injury which means that Paddy Ryan comes into the starting line-up with Jeremy Tilse providing cover on the bench.


As well as marking captain Benn Robinson's 100th state appearance for NSW and scrumhalf Grayson Hart's state debut, the match is also the last time Dean Mumm will play in front of his home fans - marking the end of a nine year career with the Tahs that has seen him earn 93 NSW caps since his debut in 2004.  


When he runs out at ANZ Stadium, Drew Mitchell will play his 99th Super Rugby match, having already represented the Waratahs on 25 occasions, the Reds on 25 and the Western Force 38 times.


The match is the 20th meeting between the Waratahs and Brumbies since 1996, with the Waratahs edging the stats having won 11 of the past encounters, including three of the past four meetings.  The teams have already played each other once this season, with the Brumbies taking the honours at home by 23-6 back in May.


Waratahs - revised: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Grayson Hart, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Paddy Ryan 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson (captain).

Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Sitaleki Timani, 19 Lopeti Timani, 20 Brendan McKibbin, 21 Tom Carter, 22 Tom Kingston.


Date: Saturday, July 7

Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)

Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Andrew Lees (Australia), Julian Pritchard (Australia)

TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)