Super Rugby W has been the most competitive to date but can anyone stop the in-form Tahs in the semifinals?
After missing out on the title the last two years the Tahs players seem laser focused to win this year.
The NSW Waratahs are again without the muscle of lock Will Skelton, but have regained the services of Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps for their Super Rugby clash with the Sharks in Durban on Sunday (AEDT).
Skelton continues to battle a hamstring injury that forced his late withdrawal ahead of their loss to the Lions last weekend, and his absence has led to a start in the second row for former Shark David McDuling.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said McDuling deserves the extra responsibility.
“We are excited for David who has earned the chance to start after his performance as a finisher in recent weeks,” Gibson said.
“It is a great opportunity for him to go up against his old team.”
McDuling said his ties to Durban and the Sharks will make Sunday morning’s game that little bit more special.
“Everyone enjoys playing against people they know, which is the same in the Australian derbies – you want to get one up over your mates,” he said.
“For me it is another great opportunity to pull on a Waratahs jersey, play at a great stadium against a great team,” he said.
Phipps’s return from an ankle injury has relegated Matt Lucas to the bench.
NSW WARATAHS: Andrew Kellaway, Reece Robinson, Israel Folau, Irae Simone, Rob Horne, Bryce Hegarty, Nick Phipps, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (capt), Jack Dempsey, David McDuling, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson. RES: Hugh Roach, Paddy Ryan, David Lolohea, Senio Toleafoa, Maclean Jones, Matt Lucas, David Horwitz, Cameron Clark.
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.
After missing out on the title the last two years the Tahs players seem laser focused to win this year.
Will Harrison certainly knows, and spills the beans to Roar Rugby Podcast co-host Christy Doran! FULL EPISODE: https://bit.ly/3Ufuj8j
The young playmaker sat down on the Roar Rugby Podcast with Matt Toomua and Christy Doran to discuss his recovery, the Crusaders win... and…
It's another short week and three of our panellists are backing up from round 7. The Crowd is predictably leaving the rest of the…
The final round of the regular season of Super Rugby Women's is set to deliver a lot of surprises. The Reds will look to…
Waratahs' Will Harrison says he has an itch to play for the Wallabies now he's back from a 92-week rehabilitation from multiple knee injuries.…