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Waratahs walking wounded for Sharks clash

21st March, 2012
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The Waratahs are still picking themselves up off the Super Rugby canvas and have held back the announcement of their side to battle the Sharks on Saturday at Allianz Stadium.

Walking wounded following their humiliating loss to the Western Force last week, NSW have sought a report from medical staff on a number of players before they finalise their line-up on Thursday morning.

Backrower Lopeti Timani is one of the players under an injury cloud, however in a major boost to the struggling Waratahs, star No.8 Wycliff Palu is set to make his return from a hamstring problem.

Coach Michael Foley named Palu as part of his 24-man squad to take on the strong Durban-based Sharks, and will decide on positions and cut two members on Thursday morning, possibly after assessing how certain players respond at training.

The defeat to the Force left the Waratahs, third in the Australian Conference, with one win from four matches, their worst start to a campaign since 1997.

If they lose to a Sharks team brimming with confidence on Saturday, it will be their worst start to a Super Rugby season.

Wallabies star Berrick Barnes appears set for a return to five-eighth and Tom Carter at inside centre, as NSW look desperately to get things back on track.

If Barnes was to be promoted to the No.10, he would also assume the captaincy from Daniel Halangahu, who would move back to the bench to make way.

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There’s also speculation that skilful recruit Sarel Pretorius could be benched, with goal-kicking understudy Brendan McKibbin to be given a chance to show his wares against the physical South Africans.

The Sharks bring plenty of confidence to the day-time match after last week ending Queensland’s unbeaten start on home soil in Durban.

Waratahs squad: Chris Alcock, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Peter Betham, Tom Carter, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Bernard Foley, Daniel Halangahu, Rob Horne, Jono Jenkins, Sekope Kepu, Brackin Kauraria-Henry, Tom Kingston, Brendan McKibbin, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sarel Pretorius, Benn Robinson, Paddy Ryan, Sitaleki Timani, Lopeti Timani, John Ulugia.

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