Kellaway Returns: Waratahs Make Four Changes for Club Rugby Round
The NSW Waratahs have announced significant changes ahead of their upcoming match against the Hurricanes on March 6, 2023. The team has made four substitutions to their starting lineup for Round 4 of the Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific, set to commence at 7:35 PM AEDT at Allianz Stadium.
Kellaway Returns to the Starting Lineup
Andrew Kellaway returns as the Waratahs’ full-back, marking his first appearance of the season. Alongside him, Wallabies teammate Folau Faingaa will debut at hooker. Also making their first starts are flanker Leafi Talataina and wing Triston Reilly.
Coach’s Remarks on Team Changes
Head coach Dan McKellar expressed enthusiasm for the game following a bye week. He praised Kellaway’s dedication during training. “Kells (Kellaway) has worked incredibly hard and is ready for this challenge,” McKellar noted.
Starting Lineup for the Match
The Waratahs will line up as follows:
- Tom Lambert (West Harbour Juniors, Sydney University)
- Folau Faingaa (Canterbury Juniors, Sydney University)
- Daniel Botha (Mosman Juniors, Sydney University)
- Matt Philip (captain) (Newport Breakers, Sydney University)
- Miles Amatosero (South Coogee Red Devils, Gordon)
- Leafi Talataina (Endeavour Hills Rugby, Sydney University)
- Charlie Gamble (Saracens, Christchurch, Eastern Suburbs)
- Pete Samu (Moorabbin Rams, West Harbour)
- Jake Gordon (Canterbury Juniors, Sydney University)
- Lawson Creighton (North Rugby Union Junior Colts, Randwick)
- Max Jorgensen (Balmain Juniors, Randwick)
- Joey Walton (Warnervale Wildcats, Gordon)
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Eastwood Juniors, Eastwood)
- Triston Reilly (Kempsey Cannonballs, Randwick)
- Andrew Kellaway (Hunters Hill, Randwick)
Key Player Highlights
This match holds particular significance for Faingaa, who will be starting for the first time after missing previous games due to a concussion. Talataina enters the fray after contributing in earlier matches, and Samu will play amidst personal celebrations, welcoming his fourth child.
Bench and Injuries
The bench features Ioane Moananu as the replacement hooker and Sid Harvey, a Narrabri native, poised to make his Super Rugby debut. The Waratahs will be without several injured players, including Eamon Doyle, Austin Durbidge, and Harry Potter.
Historical Context and Recent Performance
The Waratahs face a challenging matchup against the Hurricanes, having lost their last eight encounters since 2015. Their most recent victory against the Hurricanes at Allianz Stadium dates back to their championship season.
Fans can support the Waratahs by purchasing tickets for the fixture against the Hurricanes, as all players will wear Shute Shield club socks in celebration of Club Rugby Round. For ticketing information, visit Filmogaz.com.
