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super-rugby-pacific
NSW Waratahs coach Lachlan McCaffrey made seven changes to the first XV that fell to Western Force 17-12 last weekend, with scrum-half Teddy Wilson among the returnees for the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final in Perth.
Wilson was rested for the last round match at Warringah Rugby Club, after a busy day Super Rugby Pacific season and helping Easts win the Shute Shield title. But first Australia The U20 captain is back in the mix as the Tahs prepare to face the Force again.
It was a top-of-the-table clash when the sides met less than a week ago, with the winner earning the right to host the big dance. For the second time in 12 months, the Force will host the decider and the Tahs will be looking to go back-to-back as champions.
Coach McCaffrey made four changes to the attack, with prop Edwin Langi and lock Tom Girle joining the tight five. Outfielders Joe Mangelsdorf and Marshall Le Maitre also came into the rush.
Wilson will wear the number 9 shirt, while Randwick centers Charlie Bird and Nick Chan will get their chance in the First XV. The starting side includes five Shute Shield players and several members of the Super Rugby Pacific team.
“We’re in the same boat as we were last year before the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final, with two wins and one loss in the regular rounds,” McCaffrey said.
“We will learn more from the defeat we had against the Force at the weekend. It is better preparation for the final as we can take the lessons and apply them in training this week.
“In terms of selection, we have gone with strong combinations with seven Academy players and five Shute Shield players selected to start who are hungry to compete and prove themselves at this next level.
“We have fond memories of going to Perth for the finals last year and will have another crack at becoming back-to-back Super Rugby AUS champions.”
Langi starts at tighthead, packing forward with loose prop Tom Lambert and hooker Ethan Dobbins. Eamon Doyle captains the side, also joined by Isaac Fonua at No.8.
Wilson will link up with reigning Super Rugby AUS player of the tournament Max Burey in the halves, with Bird and Chan in the centres. Otto Serfontein and Freedom Vahaakolo are on the wings, with Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong starting at fullback.
NSW Waratahs 2026 Super Rugby AUS Grand Final side
1. Tom Lambert
2. Ethan Dobbins
3. Edwin Long
4. Eamon Doyle (c)
5. Tom Girl
6. Joe Mangelsdorf
7. Marshal Master
8. Isaac Fonua
9. Teddy Wilson
10. Max Burey
11. Otto Serfontein
12. Charlie Bird
13. Nick Chan
14. Freedom Vahaakolo
15. Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong
Replacements:
16. Sailing
17. Brady Dawson
18. Will Goddard
19. Toby Brial
20. Angus Scott-Young
21. Luke Reimer
22. Controversy Onit
23. Ben Fuhiniu
24. Hadley Tonga
25. Joe Dillon