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NSW Waratahs
17
39
Fijian Drua
12
| T. Edmed |  | 37 | ||
| L. Gleeson |  | 36 | ||
| T. Edmed |  | 25 | ||
| 16 | | V. Karawalevu | ||
| T. Edmed | | 14 | ||
| L. Gleeson | | 13 | ||
| 11 | | C. Muntz | ||
| 10 | | P. Loganimasi |
| 2 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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Australian rugby’s biggest name Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will miss the Waratahs’ showdown with the Drua on Friday night (7.35pm AEDT). Join The Roar for live updates and scores.
Despite Waratahs coach Dan McKellar last week saying sometimes you’ve got to keep your “Ferrari in the garage” when it was seen Suaalii didn’t train, the 21-year-old hasn’t yet recovered from a toe injury.
“Joseph is carrying a toe injury. We haven’t got all the details yet, but hopefully that’s short term,” McKellar said in a statement on Wednesday.
“He pulled up sore but recovered quite well and we thought he would be right for this week, but unfortunately he is not.”
The Wallabies star has been replaced at fullback by Andrew Kellaway, with Darby Lancaster promoted from the bench to start on the wing instead.
The only other change to the starting XV from the one that scraped home against the Highlanders sees Henry O’Donnell come into join Lalakai Foketi in the midfield, with Joey Walton ruled out due to a groin injury.
Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen and Triston Reilly provide backline cover. “We have depth in the back three,“ McKellar said.
“We put ‘Kells’ back to fullback, gave Darby Lancaster a start on the wing, and Triston Reilly comes off the bench, and then Henry O’Donnell to start and make his debut.
“Henry is a born and bred New South Welshman, loves the Waratahs. This is his home state, so he’s excited. It’ll be a great day for him and his family.”
The forward pack remains settled, with Wallaby Isaac Kailea coming onto the bench ahead of Tom Lambert.
“It will also be great for Isaac to come into the group,” McKellar said.
“Has experience at Test level, played well for the Rebels last year. We’re excited with Isaac and with what he can bring off the bench.”
Dru coach Glen Jackson is keeping his squad fresh with 10 changes to the matchday 23 this week to face the Waratahs. Following a long trip back from Napier, New Zealand with only a six-day turnaround, the Round 3 squad features a number of players who pushed the Brumbies all the way two weeks ago. Also returning to the squad is Etonia Waqa, who returns to the matchday squad after a long injury spell.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Darby Lancaster, Lalakai Foketi, Henry O’Donnell, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Triston Reilly
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (co-c), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Motikiai Murray, Meli Derenlagi, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Vuate Karawalevu, Inia Tabuavou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Ponipate Loganimasi, Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Mesake Doge, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referee: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter
TMO: James Leckie
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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.