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An understrength New South Wales Waratahs head across the Tasman to take on the Blues in Auckland. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm (AEST).
The Waratahs have spun up the booby prize this week as a mix of Wallabies resting protocols and the suspension of Lachie Swinton leaving coach Darren Coleman to make six changes for this important clash.
After an impressive win over the Force, it will be important to maintain their momentum given their ladder position and it will be interesting to see if they can do so with Michael Hooper, Lalakai Foketi and Mark Nawaqanitawase having the week off. Hunter Ward takes the seven jersey ahead of the returning Charlie Gamble who is making his return from a shoulder injury via the bench.
Joey Walton gets the nod at inside centre and Harry Wilson slots in at fullback. Max Jorgensen reverts back to the right wing and will be giving away plenty of weight against Caleb Clarke.
Newly signed prop Nephi Leatigaga from Leicester is straight into the matchday 23 and alongside two other potential debutants in Michael Icely and Jack Bowen.
The Blues are coming off the bye and sit in fifth place on the ladder and looking to close the gap on the Crusaders. The return fixture came down to the wire last year and it took some brilliance from Beauden Barrett to get the Blues over the line to make it seven wins in a row over the Waratahs.
Even with Dalton Papali’I out, the backrow trio of Anton Segner, Adrian Choat and Hoskins Sotutu looks to be an area they will use to gain the upper hand over the Waratahs. They also have Akira Ioane to call on from the bench as he makes his return from a long-term injury.
Beauden Barrett chalks up his 150th Super Rugby game and will be looking to mark the occasion with a big day out. It will take a disciplined effort from the Waratahs to keep him and the star-studded Blues backline quiet. The Blues last game against the Rebels saw them run riot in second half and the likes of Rieko Ioane and Mark Talea will be looking to unleash after a week off.
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Prediction The Blues side looks very strong on paper. It would be one of the all-time upsets if the Waratahs were to get up and it would take a brave person to tip them.
Game information
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST) Streaming: Stan Sport Odds: Blues $1.05 Waratahs $12.00 – odds via Playup
Teams
Blues (1-15): Ofa Tuungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Stephen Perofeta.
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, Zarn Sullivan.
Waratahs (1-15): Tom Lambert, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Zac Von Appen, Taleni Seu, Hunter Ward, Will Harris, Jake Gordon, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Max Jorgensen, Harry Wilson.
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Replacements: Tolu Latu, Nephi Leatigaga, Daniel Botha, Michael Icely, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Mosese Tuipulpotu.
