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!
Paul
Guest
sensitive much there atlas?
Reluctant Loser
Guest
I wish Cheika would settle on who will be no.10 for the season. It's quite clear to me that Foley is a 10 and Beale inside centre. Let them settle in those positions before the confusion sets in !!
Tane Mahuta
Guest
No I think your comment is more like that Bennalong. Never ever taken a "selfie" never ever been on facebook and never ever tried to tell somebody to stop the silly banter with personal and childish banter. Hypocrite much? You can ask people to stop something without doing it even worse than them. Try it.
atlas
Guest
You sure? The Hurricanes do it in training! 13 Feb: Victor Vito sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury. Tim Bateman carried off with a medial collateral ligament injury - up to four weeks, at a training session yesterday. Loose forward Brad Shields (6-8 weeks) and wing Matt Proctor (2-4 weeks) injured their knee and ankle respectively during a preseason match against the Melbourne Rebels. Prop Reggie Goodes is out with a toe injury. Crusaders beat Hurricanes 40-15 yesterday after Hurricanes lead 15-14 at halftime. Second half was all subs/wider training groups.
bennalong
Guest
This sort of banter must be part of the new generation of men who relentlessly tweet and put photos of themselves on facebook every bloody day You're capable of actually talking meaningfully about Rugby, Try it
Mango Jack
Guest
Actually, I was joking, but he played his 1st origin in 1996, and probably would have played in 1995 if not for the super league war.
Mango Jack
Guest
Brad Thorn? Seriously, is this bloke STILL playing? You sure it isn't his son? Wasn't ha playing RL state of origin about 20 years ago? Incredible
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Oh I know what team is yours alright and youll probably want the coach sacked after the Tahs hold your team down and "tea bag" your captain for all to see.
james
Guest
llol at you trying to figure out my team yet we all know about the tahs
Tane Mahuta
Guest
No, the Highlanders will beat your team too, quite easily.
james
Guest
who said landers were my team? must be a great accomplishment winning against the Highlanders though.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
No wont win the title, probably only win against your team but like I said, who doesnt?
james
Guest
faves and yet to win a title..more like the chokers tag i guess
Tane Mahuta
Guest
He is fine. May not play next week at worst.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Yep this has confirmed them as favs. They should beat your team easily James but then again, who doesnt?
james
Guest
Are the waratahs still the favorites to win super rugby for beating the lowly landers at home by only 6 or is this only a 'trial'?
Leon
Guest
which is why kiwi teams dont go hard in trials. Its about giving the inexperience and young one a go while not risking injury to top players
atlas
Guest
MELBOURNE Rebels have completed the Super Rugby pre-season in stunning fashion, upstaging competition powerhouse Queensland at Ballymore as Reds superstar Quade Cooper was badly injured. Trailing 0-13 after 21 minutes, the Rebels held the Reds scoreless for the remainder of a riveting contest to win their third consecutive trial 18-13. Unable to win a trial in its first three seasons, Melbourne has posted three in succession following earlier triumphs over NSW Waratahs and the Hurricanes. and Cooper fell awkwardly in the final minute of the match to bring a long halt to play. The suspected head injury has the five-eighth in grave doubt for the Reds' Super Rugby opener against the Brumbies next Saturday in Canberra.
Dmac
Guest
Scrum will be fine. Errors happen in trials. It sounds like the forwards were dominant but the set piece was unsettled.
eagleJack
Guest
I'm hearing that. Does anybody know what the prob is with QC? Hope he is ok. Twitter saying stretchered off in neck brace.