Waratahs name squad for South African tour

The Waratahs have named a 26-man squad for their two-match Super 14 tour of South Africa.

The Waratahs have named a 26-man squad for their two-match Super 14 tour of South Africa.

The squad sees the return of Rocky Elsom and Timana Tahu who have recovered from injury and will be in the selection frame for this week's match against the Bulls in Pretoria.

“It's made selection difficult but that's the way we like it,” said Waratahs Head Coach Ewen McKenzie.

In addition to the 22-man squad which has been fielded for the last three weeks, Sam Harris and Sekope Kepu will also make the trip after some impressive form in the Tooheys New Shute Shield.

“Luke Burgess, Alfi Mafi and Matt Carraro have all been selected after going back to club rugby, and it was pretty easy to include Kepu and Harris with the form they've been in,” McKenzie added.

The Waratahs fly out on Thursday for a preparation which mirrors their successful 2007 approach which resulted in a first up victory over the Lions.

“Last year we flew out on Thursday morning, landed on Thursday afternoon African time, had a good captain's run on Friday then went on to beat the Lions,” said McKenzie.

“All the preparation was done at home and that's what we're doing for the Bulls this week.”

McKenzie will name his 22-man squad for this week's clash with the Bulls in Pretoria on Wednesday, and is expecting a physical confrontation.

“Selection is important for a critical forwards battle. The Bulls have one of the best packs in the game and we need to get that right this weekend,” said McKenzie.

Waratahs South African Touring Squad

Backs: Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Matt Carraro, Tom Carter, Sam Harris, Rob Horne, Alfi Mafi, Sam Norton-Knight, Brett Sheehan, Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri, Lachie Turner.

Forwards: Al Baxter, Will Caldwell, Matt Dunning, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier, Sekope Kepu, David Lyons, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Beau Robinson, Benn Robinson, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh (c).