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Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has recalled fullback Israel Folau and Rob Horne from injury as welll as South African lock Jacques Potgieter for their Super Rugby semi-final against the Brumbies on Saturday.
Potgieter is the only straight replacement for the ‘Tahs, and he replaces hulking lock Will Skelton in the starting team. Skelton started in the Waratahs’ latest match against the Reds, but played from the bench in the previous two matches after his Wallabies debut against France.
Since coming to Sydney, Potgieter has been in strong form in both attack and defence, and has worked tirelessly whenever he’s on the field. He also offers the Waratahs the flexibility of an extra lineout forward who can switch to the loose forwards if required.
Skelton will play a good amount of minutes in the second half, with Cheika preferring to use him as an impact player.
Backline weapons Folau and Horne are returning from injury and illness in the only other changes to the team that beat the Reds last in their latest game.
Folau missed the Reds game with a corked thigh, while an ailing Horne was a match-day scratching.
Wingers Cam Crawford, Matt Carraro and Taqele Naiyaravoro have all been named on an extended nine-man bench for the Waratahs’ first finals appearance since 2011.
The Waratahs or the Brumbies, who were runners-up last year, will face with the winners of the other semi-final between the Crusaders and the Sharks in the final.
The Brumbies showed last week in their game against the defending champion Chiefs that they are willing to throw the ball around, and with big guns Matt Toomua and Pat McCabe back, they should present a stern challenge to the Waratahs. Australian derbies are typically billed as attritional affairs, but this one promises to have plenty of flair and tries, with both sides cranking up their attacking game.
Having breezed through their last three games, the Waratahs are heavy favourites to make the final and take the title.
Waratahs: Israel Folau, Alofa Alofa, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper (capt), Stephen Hoiles, Jacques Potgieter, Kane Douglas, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Tola Latu, Paddy Ryan, Jeremy Tilse, Will Skelton, Mitch Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbon, Matt Carraro, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Cam Crawford (one to be omitted).
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.