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Join us right here on The Roar from 7.30pm tonight for the Waratahs‘ final trial game against the Highlanders.
The match will take place at Newcastle’s Hunter Stadium and won’t be shown on any TV broadcast, so log on here for live commentary, banter and a check up on how your favourite players are going – you’re certainly not going to get more detail anywhere else but The Roar tonight.
Many have already promised big things from the Waratahs in the 2014 season and there’s certainly some cause for optimism around the club.
The Waratahs are blessed with an open cut mine of riches in the backline this year. The combinations are far from settled in that area and will be further moulded tonight.
Kurtley Beale has returned after two years away in Melbourne. He has played everywhere from the back-three to fly-half to inside centre already this season and has been mooted as a possible inside centre starter for the team.
Obviously Rob Horne and even Jono Lance will be doing their level best to prove they’re worth the spot as well, with Horne given the first shot tonight and Beale a chance in the second half.
The starting pack is full of familiar faces tonight as well. Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu are likely to be the first choice front row for the season and will start.
Wallabies Dave Dennis (captain), Michael Hooper and Wycliff Palu are going to get a run in the back row from kick off and the second row sees the hulking Will Skelton paired with Kane Douglas.
That is probably close to the preferred options from 1-8 for the duration of the season on show, so it will be interesting to see if they gain ascendancy over their opposition.
The backline is so full of permutations we’ll just have to run the rule over them as they occur on the night. One interesting note is that Matt Lucas has been given the nod to start at nine, ahead of both Nick Phipps and Brendan McKibbin, it’ll be a big night for him.
For many this will also be the first chance to see the Highlanders in action for the year.
The team looks very different to 2013, especially in the forwards.
Ged Robinson is back in NZ club colours after kicking his career up a gear at the Rebels. Kane Hames and Chris King are the props, neither of whom are as experienced as the departed Mackintosh.
The controlling pair of Aaron Smith and Lima Sopoaga isn’t completely unfamiliar and will be charged with leading a new team around the park. Both players have the ability to provide real excitement.
As does captain and fullback Ben Smith. Rarely has a player burst onto the international scene as well as he did last year, off the back of a supreme Super Rugby tournament. Hopefully he’s back raring to go around in the same vein again.
Don’t forget to join us here from 7.30pm AEDT tonight for all the action and banter you can handle!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.