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McCutcheon replaces Waugh for Waratahs

Roar Guru
6th April, 2011
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Former Australian sevens skipper Pat McCutcheon will get another chance to start for NSW at open-side flanker after being named to replace Waratahs captain Phil Waugh for Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Western Force.

McCutcheon is one of two changes to the Waratahs forward pack with rested lock Kane Douglas returning to the second-row for Pat O’Connor.

Waugh has succumbed to a calf injury sustained in the 23-16 win over the Chiefs in Sydney last Friday night, allowing McCutcheon to get his second chance at No.7 after starting in last month’s 23-3 upset loss to the Cheetahs.

NSW coach Chris Hickey has brought former Test prop Al Baxter, who has overcome a thumb injury, back into his squad but the veteran tight-head will start off the bench at Perth’s nib Stadium.

Young flanker Chris Alcock has also been promoted to a bench which features five forwards and two backs.

Playmaker Berrick Barnes was once again not considered due to concussion concerns and Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale will play at five-eighth.

“It’s always nice when you can name the same team week to week but unfortunately we’ve had our fair share of injuries over the past six weeks so it hasn’t been possible,” said Hickey.

“We’ve worked hard to build our depth and were confident everyone in the match day squad is ready to go.

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“Kane Douglas will be fresh after a week off and Pat McCutcheon performed well when Phil (Waugh) was out a couple of weeks ago.

“It’s good to have Al Baxter back in the mix as well but we thought we’d stick with the same front row which performed so well against the Chiefs last week.”

Waratahs: Lachie Turner, Atieli Pakalani, Ryan Cross, Tom Carter, Drew Mitchell, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, Pat McCutcheon, Ben Mowen, Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm (capt), Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Damien Fitzpatrick, Al Baxter, Sitaleki Timani, Dave Dennis, Chris Alcock, Brendan McKibbin, Daniel Halangahu.

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