Waratahs reveal powerful backline for Reds clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has named a powerful backline ahead of their Aussie derby against the Queensland Reds at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
With Adam Ashley-Cooper back to full fitness after coming off the bench in round two, he’ll once again join Karmichael Hunt in the centres, a combination that delivered for the team in round one.
The major shift will see a versatile Kurtley Beale move to fullback, with Israel Folau shifting to the wing and Alex Newsome set to come off the bench.
Coming off a bye week, the Waratahs will be looking for their second win of the year against a fierce rival in the Reds, as they prepare for their first game of 2019 at the iconic SCG.
Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Curtis Rona, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Harry Johnson-Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Rory O’Connor, 18 Chris Talakai, 19 Lachlan Swinton, 20 Will Miller, 21 Mitch Short, 22 Mack Mason, 23 Alex Newsome.
Date: Saturday, March 9
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.45 (18.15 Queensland time; 08.45 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Amy Perrett (Australia)
TMO: James Leckie (Australia)