Publications
Partners
Christchurch - Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has made three changes to his match day squad for Friday's clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Incumbent back-row Wycliff Palu, who has been at his imposing best for the team in their last two physical battles against South African outfits, makes way for Jed Holloway this week.
Holloway returns, having made a name for himself as a high-quality ball-runner with impressive statistics this season, after injuring his shoulder two weeks ago.
Also making his way back into the matchday 23 is Zac Guildford, who has been injected into the squad after recovering from a broken toe in round six. The speedy winger has since been returning to peak fitness as a star performer for West Harbour, having been a key influence in the side over the last four rounds of the Shute Shield.
David Horwitz will start at inside centre after replacing Kurtley Beale, who was injured one minute into last weekend’s 31-8 bonus point win over the Bulls in Sydney.
Powerful lock, Will Skelton will reach a half century of games for his home state of New South Wales this Friday, having played all 50 with the Waratahs.
Teams:
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Jone Macilai, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Substitutes: 16
Ged Robinson, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Mika Alaalatoa, 19 Scott Barrett,
20 Tim Boys, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 David Havili, 23 Marty McKenzie
Waratahs: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Reece Robinson, 13 Israel Folau, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dean Mumm, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Davie Dennis, 3 Tom Robertson, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Paddy Ryan
Substitutes: 16 Angus Ta’avao, 17 Hugh Roach, 18 Jeremy Tilse, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Wycliff Palu, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 Matt Carraro, 23 Zac Guildford
