Foley to start for Waratahs

Editor

The Waratahs have been boosted by the return of fly-half Bernard Foley for Friday's clash with the Hurricanes in Wellington.

The return of the Wallaby is not the only change to the Waratahs starting line-up, with impressive winger Taqele Naiyaravoro also returning.

Another Wallaby, Rob Horne, was named in the original run-on side but had to withdraw following Wednesday's field session. 

With Horne out, Israel Folau will return to outside centre after he was initially named at full-back and Bryce Hegarty steps into the fullback position while Irae Simone will slot into the number 22 jersey. 

Cam Clark moves onto the wings with Michael Wells starting at number eight and Paddy Ryan in at loosehead prop. Tom Robertson suffered a knock on Sunday which ruled him out of Friday’s clash.

Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson said Foley’s symptoms of concussion from the injury six weeks ago have resolved and other symptoms related to his neck are also improving, with ongoing treatment of his neck.

"Bernard has been given the clearance after further expert reviews, including a review with neurologist, and treatment over the course of the last week," he said.

"Having the experience of Bernard and Rob back in the team will hopefully give our side a boost ahead of the game."

Waratahs: 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 13 Israel Folau, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Cam Clark, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Paddy Ryan
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Sam Needs, 18 David Lolohea, 19 David McDuling, 20 Jed Holloway, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Irae Simone, 23 Andrew Kellaway

Date: Friday, April 7
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Shuhei Kubo (Japan), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)