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Capped Wallabies back Pete Samu will miss the rest of the Super Rugby AUS campaign with a shoulder blade injury, prompting a switch to NSW Waratahs starting side for the match against Queensland Red this weekend.
Coach Lachlan McCaffrey has made two changes to the First XV, with Tom Girle and Isaac Fonu coming into the side. They replace Justice Taumoepeau, who left for representative duty Australia U18 side, and injured Sam.
Australia U20 prop Edwin Langi kept his composure after starting on the flank Super Rugby Pacific regulars Tom Lambert and Ethan Dobbins last weekend. Eamon Doyle and Miles Amatosero join the unchanged front row in the tight five.
Girle starts at blindside flanker, with Marshall Le Maitre and Isaac Fonua rounding out the trio of loose forwards. Angus Scott-Young and Luke Reimer both provide cover from the bench, which includes a total of 10 substitutes.
In the backs, Teddy Wilson will once again partner Max Burey at fly-half. Burey has been named the 2025 AUS Super Rugby Player of the Tournament after helping lead Western Force to the grand final against the Tahs.
George Poolman and Otto Serfontein will combine in midfield, with Freedom Vahaakolo and Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong on the wings. Sid Harvey once again completes the starting side at full back.
“Isaac (Fonua) has been impressive over the last 12 months and has been given a chance to start. So has Tommy (Girle), who was obviously a big part of Easts winning the Shute Shield,” McCaffrey said.
“He (Girle) will come in at that six-man position. He’s just a hard-working, tough forward and we’ve watched him in probably the last five, six Shute Shield games and he’s been outstanding. It’s nice to give them both a chance.”
“We came across Super Rugby Brumbies back line last weekend and we scored 33 points to seven in the first 40 minutes. I think Otto (Serfontein) in the centers, Latrell (Smiler Ah Kiong) on one wing, Freedom (Vahaakolo) on the other, didn’t look out of place at all. It was great to see guys like that get a chance and then deliver on that stage.
“All these guys then develop that belief and confidence that they belong at this level. Also for the coaches in this building, as well as other coaches, they think they’re a real possibility to become professional Super Rugby players.”
“That’s what this competition is all about and we hope to see all these players in a Waratahs Super Rugby jersey at some point.”
NSW Waratahs to take on the Queensland Reds
- Tom Lambert
- Ethan Dobbins
- Edwin Lange
- Eamon Doyle (c)
- Miles Amatosero
- Tom Girl
- Marshall Master
- Isaac Fonua
- Teddy Wilson
- Max Burey
- Freedom Wax Hollow
- George Poolman
- Otto Serfontein
- Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong
- Sid Harvey
Replacements:
16. Tyler Maybery
17. Brady Dawson
18. Will Goddard
19. Joe Mangelsdorf
20. Angus Scott-Young
21. Luke Reimer
22. Angus Grover
23. Joe Dillon
24. Charlie Bird
25. Nick Chan