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The Waratahs put up a white flag in Auckland last week and will be hoping that gamble pays off in a must win Super Rugby Pacific match against Highlanders at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 7.30pm AEST.
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has recalled six Wallabies to his starting XV that lost to the Blues last week.
Dave Porecki returns with Mahe Vailanu moving to the bench, while Te Tera Faulkner replaces the injured Tom Lambert to complete an all-Wallaby front-row alongside Harry Johnson-Holmes.
Hugh Sinclair returns from a shoulder injury suffered against the Rebels in round three, partnering Jed Holloway in the second row.
Coleman has added two Wallabies to his back-row with Michael Hooper returning to the side after completing his national resting, while Langi Gleeson returns from a calf injury suffered against the Hurricanes in round four.
Jake Gordon continues his all-Wallaby partnership with Ben Donaldson in the halves, while Wallaby rested Lalakai Foketi resumes his devastating combination in the midfield with Izaia Perese.
(Photo by Pete Dovgan/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Max Jorgensen returns to fullback, with Wallaby rested Mark Nawaqanitawase joining Dylan Pietsch on the wings.
The Waratahs will be wearing their 2023 First Nations jersey which has been designed by Pietsch.
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Coleman said: “We’ve been inconsistent to date, but we’re really excited about the run home and the number of games we have at Allianz. The team is focused on finishing the season strong and getting into the finals in form and healthy.
“It’s great to welcome back several high-quality players with Porecki, Sinclair, Hooper and Gleeson who will add some punch to our forward pack whilst Lalakai and Marky provide a real spark for our attack.
“Mosese Tuipulotu showed a lot of exciting pre-season form and some glimpses against the Hurricanes before he injured his knee and we’re excited to see some impact from him in the second half.”
Aaron Smith will captain the Highlanders in place of flanker Billy Harmon, who misses the game for personal reasons.
Smith missed last week’s loss to the Force due to a family bereavement.
Fellow All Blacks halfback Folau Fakatava also returns while winger Jona Nareki features for the first time this season.
Sean Withy will take Harmon’s place in the No 7 jersey.
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Game information
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney Kick-off: 7:35pm (AEST) Streaming: Stan Sport Odds: Waratahs $1.63, Highlanders $2.30 – odds via Playup
Teams
Waratahs (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, David Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Taleni Seu, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen.
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Daniel Botha, Will Harris, Charlie Gamble, Harrison Goddard, Joey Walton, Mosese Tuipulotu.
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Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Fabian Holland, Will Tucker, Shannon Frizell, Sean Withy, Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith (c), Mitch Hunt, Scott Gregory, Sam Gilbert, Fetuli Paea, Jonah Lowe, Connor Garden-Bachop.
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Pari Pari Parkinson, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Folau Fakatava, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jona Nareki.
