NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson had no hesitation rushing destructive No.8 Wycliff Palu straight back into his squad for Friday night’s Super Rugby showdown with the Brumbies.
Palu has recovered from a hamstring strain that sidelined him from the Waratahs’ season-opening 30-10 rout of the Queensland Reds, but returns to bolster the bench in what Gibson tips will be a torrid encounter at GIO Stadium.
Jed Hollaway retains his starting spot at No.8, but Palu replaces utility back Reece Robinson to give the Tahs six replacement forwards.
“There’s a reason behind Cliffy coming back for such an important fixture,” Gibson said.
“I’ve elected a 6-2 bench. The reason is we know it’s going to be a brutal, physical encounter and I need lots of resources off the bench that I can call on to provide impact and Cliff, it’s the perfect situation for him.
“He’s looked particularly menacing at training, he’s a physical guy and his kind of spirit and mentality is something we’re going to need.”
Waratahs captain Michael Hooper is playing down the importance of his personal duel with the Brumbies’ champion openside flanker David Pocock, but even Gibson is excited.
“That’s going to be a fascinating encounter. Obviously two contrasting players who combined well at the World Cup,” he said.
“I think there’s contests all over the park. Some of the best players in Australia, a lot of them teammates in the Wallaby team to go head-to-head. That adds intrigue in itself.
“We know it’s going to be a physical encounter for the forwards in particular. It’s going to be combative and I want extra resources in that area.”
Brumbies prop Scott Sio is demanding the home team muscles up after suffering four straight losses to their Australian conference rivals.
“We have to come together as a group, draw a line in the sand, and say `enough is enough’ and really step up to them,” Sio said.
“You don’t win unless you win the physical battle and it’s something we’re looking to rectify.”
Squirrel
Guest
Palu will be the difference. Go you legend
Machooka
Roar Guru
Damn it brian... I hate it when I have to agree with REDs' supporters. Damn damn.
brian
Guest
I'm a REDS fan, and think Cliffy is fairly decent at best.. ..I would take him right now and punt Schatz back to club rugby.
Machooka
Roar Guru
You sound a bit bitter Brumbie fan... you seem to be spending a lot of your time discussing someone who, from what you're saying, is irrelevant. Strikes me as a little weird... and like why would you bother. Unless... ??
Brumbies fan
Guest
Yeah I must have missed all those bustling runs he's made in the second half of his career. So many in fact that he is in so much demand that he can command a $50k a year contract! Sky's the limit for this guy
Machooka
Roar Guru
Yeah buddy I'm well aware of that... but our front-row this season ain't comparable to past seasons. If we can't win the ball we're gonna struggle. Like I said before... I hope you're right :)
breakdown
Guest
on the contrary you must have been watching rugby with your eyes closed all this time
breakdown
Guest
The waratahs have beaten them probably the last 5 or 6 times they've played them including just a few weeks ago. The reason is simple. The waratahs are a better team.
Machooka
Roar Guru
breakdown... geez I hope you're right but I'm struggling to see your prediction ringing true.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Good luck tonight Brumbies fan... and I hope your comment comes back to bite you in the ar$e! Hard!!
Brumbies fan
Guest
Has the author been in a coma for 6 years? That's the only way you could call Paul 'destructive' and keep a straight face.
breakdown
Guest
Waratah's by 7 Palu to barge over in the final minutes to make the difference.
Machooka
Roar Guru
C'arn da Tahs... it's a long, long journey back on the bus if you don't get a win!