By AAP
January 21st 2010 @ 2:04am
Related coverage
Anesi picked at fullback for Waratahs trial
Former All Black Sosene Anesi has been given first crack at the highly contentious Waratahs fullback position in their opening rugby union trial of the season this Saturday against Queensland in Lismore.
As expected, Anesi and the Waratahs’ other major international recruit, emerging Springbok lock Hendrik Roodt, have been selected in the starting side.
Lock/flanker Dave Dennis, who is listed at blindside flanker is the only one of the Waratahs’ Wallabies tourists selected for the four-quarter hitout at Oaks Oval.
Dennis, who played two midweek matches on the Wallabies Spring Tour without winning a Test cap, was originally pencilled in for the bench, but was promoted to the starting side to allow New Zealand-born forward Cam Jowitt an extra week to recover from thumb surgery.
Anesi, who played his sole Test against Fiji in 2005, is one of several contenders for the NSW No.5 jersey.
Fellow recruit Drew Mitchell and another Wallaby, Lachie Turner, are the other front line contenders for the fullback position but, like Anesi, can also play on the wing.
Mitchell, Turner and Wallabies utility back Kurtley Beale, who can also play fullback, are not playing on Saturday, giving Anesi an early chance to stake his claim for the role of custodian.
“There is a bit of competition…but I’ve got the first opportunity and I will make sure I take it and try and play well,” Anesi told AAP on Wednesday.
“I’m very excited, I like fullback more than wing.
“I’ve been playing all my (recent) rugby at fullback and it’s working for me.
Anesi spent most of the last New Zealand domestic season at fullback for Waikato.
He moved to the Waratahs in search of more playing time.
Injuries and the outstanding trio of Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Masaga limited his opportunities last year during the Chiefs scintillating run to the Super 14 final.
Named on the wings for Saturday’s trial are former Brumby Peter Betham and Nemani Nadolo, the cousin of former Waratah Loti Tuqiri, who will make his first appearance for NSW after suffering a stress fracture in his foot 12 months ago.
Despite the shortage of Wallabies, NSW will still field 13 players with Super 14 experience this Saturday.
Five-eighth Daniel Halangahu will captain the side.
Returning to the Waratahs from the Brumbies and Wales respectively, halfback Josh Holmes and centre Rory Sidey, will each start on Saturday.
Waratahs: Sosene Anesi, Nemani Nadolo, Rory Sidey, Tom Carter, Peter Betham, Daniel Halangahu (capt), Josh Holmes, Locky Mccaffrey, Chris Alcock, Dave Dennis, Hendrik Roodt, Kane Douglas, Dan Palmer, Damien Fitzpatrick, Jeremy Tilse. Res: Luke Holmes, Ofa Faingaanuku, Chris Thomson, Will Caldwell, Brendan Mckibbin, Ben Seymour, Adam Darcy, Paddy Ryan, Dylan Sigg, Hugh Perrett, Tom Azar, Alex Rokobaro, Jacob Woodhouse.
Going to the Waratahs v Brumbies blockbuster at ANZ Stadium, Saturday 24 April? If you're keen to meet up with other Roarers, register you interest and we'll keep you informed on the place to meet. Register now.
Get Australia's best Rugby opinion emailed daily.
Like this content? Buzz it up!
Free Email updates:
Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...
(3)
Comrade Bear said | January 21st 2010 @ 1:05pm | Report comment
Be interesting to see how some of these Tahs play (for me mainly Nemani Nadolo, Hendrik Roodt and Damien Fitzpatrick) – though I am not sure if the Reds will provide enough resistance to give us a strong enough indicator of Super14 ability…
True Tah said | January 21st 2010 @ 1:14pm | Report comment
Did Roodt actually play for the emerging Springboks?
Dave said | January 23rd 2010 @ 5:46pm | Report comment
Like Dylan Sigg’s form for Manly – a big strong fast man. Hope he get’s time!!