Waratahs change one for Reds

Editor

Waratahs boss Michael Cheika has made just one change to his side for Saturday's clash with the Reds in Sydney.

Waratahs boss Michael Cheika has made just one change his to side for Saturday's clash with the Reds in Sydney.

Former Springbok back-row Jacques Potgieter will start in place of Will Skelton at lock, with the 21-year-old dropping down to the bench.

“It's not about form, it's about the roles they have to play in this particular game,” said Cheika.

“Jacques brings a different set of skills than Will. He has more experience and won't give a damn that it's a derby game. He brings a real physicality to the game in both attack and defence.”

Australia's biggest rugby player Will Skelton will still have an important role to play when he gets his chance.

“Jacques was blowing pretty heavily after his 37 minute stint against the Force,” said the coach.

“When Will gets on, he'll be expected to maintain the level of intensity and do the job he's been set.”

Prop Paddy Ryan has withstood the challenge from Sekope Kepu and will retain his place alongside Benn Robinson and Tatafu Polota-Nau at the coalface in an all-Wallaby front row.

Despite a minor knee injury, captain Dave Dennis will lead the side out. The backline remains untouched with Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale in charge of the midfield.

Rookie winger Alofa Alofa has held his spot after crossing for a try on debut and, along with Wallaby Peter Betham and Israel Folau, has his sights on being part of the best back three in this year's competition.

The prestigious Templeton Cup is symbolic of Australian Rugby's oldest and most fierce rivalry between the Queensland Reds and the New South Wales Waratahs.

It is named after legendary Queensland coach and administrator Bob Templeton (1932-1999) and was introduced in 2000 as a mark of respect to the service Templeton gave to the game.

Queensland is New South Wales's oldest opponent, with the first game between the two states taking place back on 12 August 1882 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (NSW won 26-4).

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Peter Betham, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Jacques Potgieter, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements (from): 16 Tola Latu, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Stephen Hoiles, 21 Brendan McKibbin, 22 Rob Horne, 23 Matt Carraro, 24 Pat McCutcheon, 25 Jonno Lance.

Date: Saturday, March 1
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.40 (08.40 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: James Leckie (Australia), Will Houston (Australia)
Television match official: Peter Marshall (Australia)