Waratahs make just one change for Sharks

The NSW Waratahs have made just one change to their starting side, with Sitaleki Timani coming into the second row for the Super Rugby clash with the Sharks in Durban.

Timani was a late scratching from last week’s bonus point win over the Lions in Sydney, after failing to recover from a thumb injury sustained in round 12.

He returns to the run-on team to partner Dean Mumm in the second row, while Pat O’Connor retains his place on the bench.

The only other alteration to the match day squad is a forced one with rookie Tom Kingston called to national duty with the Australian U20s ahead of the IRB Junior World Championships.

Speedster Atieli Pakalani moves onto the bench for his first Super Rugby clash since suffering a hamstring injury during the round eight bonus point win over the Western Force in Perth.

It’s a crucial match for the Waratahs as they attempt to secure wildcard entry into the Super Rugby playoffs.

Coach Chris Hickey said the squad had recovered well from the long trip to South Africa and were looking forward to this weekend’s clash at the Shark Tank.

“Recovering from the flight to Johannesburg and then transferring to Durban is always a bit tricky but all of the guys seem to have pulled up well,” said Hickey.

“They were out and about on Monday to adjust to the time difference and we had a pretty sharp session on Tuesday which provided a good indication as to where they are at both physically and mentally.

“Kings Park is one of the great venues in world Rugby and I know the squad is excited to be here.

“It’s an important game against another finals contender so there’s a lot on the line.”

Hickey said the inclusion of Timani was a bonus for the squad with the Tongan-born lock one of the form players in the team over the last month.

“Sita’s probably been better known as an impact player at Super Rugby level before this year but since getting an opportunity in the starting side he has given us a lot of go-forward,” said Hickey.

“He trained well all of last week and was probably touch-and-go to play the Lions but we erred on the side of caution knowing the important run of matches we have coming up.”

The Waratahs will train again on Thursday ahead of the captain’s run on Friday before Saturday’s clash.

Waratahs team: Kurtley Beale, Lachie Turner, Ryan Cross, Tom Carter, Sosene Anesi, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Ben Mowen, Chris Alcock, Dave Dennis, Sitaleki Timani, Dean Mumm (c]), Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: John Ulugia, Al Baxter, Pat O’Connor, Hugh Perrett, Brendan McKibbin, Daniel Halangahu, Atieli Pakalani.