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NSW Waratahs
28
Match Complete
ACT Brumbies
23
| 75 |  | A. Muirhead | ||
| T. Edmed |  | 73 | ||
| J. Walton | | 72 | ||
| 67 | | J. Debreczeni | ||
| 67 | | L. Reimer | ||
| 51 | | A. Alaalatoa | ||
| L. Creighton | | 35 | ||
| R. Leota | | 34 | ||
| L. Creighton | | 25 | ||
| T. Reilly | | 23 | ||
| L. Creighton | | 18 | ||
| T. Wilson | | 17 | ||
| 9 |  | N. Lolesio | ||
| 1 | | N. Lolesio |
| 4 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 4 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 2 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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Dan McKellar has made just one change to his starting side for Saturday’s showdown against Stephen Larkham’s Brumbies in Sydney (7.35pm AEDT), as the Waratahs attempt to end a 13-match winless run against their local rivals. Join The Roar for live updates.
Langi Gleeson returns at No.8, with Leafi Talataina dropping back to the bench.
The only other couple of changes see Isaac Kailea and Daniel Botha named on the bench, with Tom Lambert and Siosifa Amone left out.
“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.”
Wallabies star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was slated to return via the bench, but McKellar will give the 21-year-old another week off before targeting a return against the Hurricanes.
“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.”
The return of Rob Valetini is a massive boost for the Brumbies, with the reigning back-to-back John Eales Medallist in line to play his first minutes of 2025.
As first revealed by The Roar, Valetini suffered a hamstring injury in mid-January but has made his way back and the reports coming out of Canberra is that the wrecking-ball Wallaby has been fit and firing for more than a week.
There’s just a couple of minor tweaks to Stephen Larkham’s side, with Billy Pollard returning at hooker ahead of Lachie Lonergan.
“It’s a huge boost to have Rob back in our side. He’s a world-class back row who possesses so many qualities that help our team,” Larkham said. “We’re looking forward to taking on the Waratahs in their own backyard. They’ve made a strong start to the season, despite their slip-up against the Reds last weekend.
“Everyone at the club wants to play in these sorts of matches against our biggest rivals.”
Nick Frost is joined by his Test teammate Cadeyrn Neville, with rising talent Lachie Shaw to come off the bench.
Valetini is joined in the midfield by Tom Hooper and on-ball specialist Luke Reimer, with Rory Scott to provide cover from the bench.
The one change in the backline sees Ollie Sapsford come in to join Len Ikitau in the midfield after David Feliaui suffered a concussion early against the Drua last week.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Daniel Botha, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Austin Anderson
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referee: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Glenn Newman
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.