Wallabies Nick Phipps, Dean Mumm and Sekope Kepu return for the NSW Waratahs’ Super Rugby derby against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.
Phipps replaces Jake Gordon at halfback, Mumm is back in the second row to bolster the lineout, one of the Waratahs’ major vulnerabilities in 2017, while Kepu returns from suspension to the front row.
Matt Lucas will serve as back-up half, with Gordon rested and Phipps to bring vast experience to the Waratahs backline in his first start since round four against the Brumbies.
“With our three halves, I have decided to rotate them over the next two games,” Gibson said on Thursday.
“Jake Gordon will be back in the next game and his omission from the line up is by no means a reflection on his form.
“We have three strong halves and the rotation this weekend will be our strongest combination to face the Reds opposition.”
Reds flanker Scott Higginbotham boasts a competition-best three lineout steals this season, prompting Gibson to start Mumm and relegate Will Skelton to the bench.
“A big focus for us this weekend is improving our lineouts, so we have David McDuling and Dean Mumm starting as locks to ensure we have superior lineouts,” the coach said.
Apart from Phipps’ inclusion, the Waratahs backline remains unchanged from the side embarrassed 26-24 by the lowly Lions last Friday night in front of exasperated home fans.
“I want to to give them the opportunity to address certain areas and deliver a performance we know they have the ability to,” Gibson said.
“For us this weekend, it’s all about pride in our jersey. This is the our biggest local derby and we want to represent our state proudly.”
NSW Waratahs: Israel Folau, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Cam Clark, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps. Michael Wellings, Michael Hooper, (capt), Ned Hanigan, Dean Mumm, David McDuling, Sekope Kepu, Hugh Roach, Tom Robertson. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Paddy Ryan, Angus Taavao, Will Skelton, Jed Holloway, Matt Lucas, Irae Simone, Bryce Hegarty.
Jock Cornet
Guest
Lions playing the bye
Akari
Roar Rookie
Dean Mumm is a decent 2nd rower and was good enough to make his caps for the WBs. Unfortunately, the Tahs are not playing well and it's easy to pick on WBs in the squad and I've been guilty of that too. In fact, Dean Mumm is not alone in not achieving as his fellows WBs team mates are in the same rut. Byrnsey reckons that they are just trying too hard and he may well be right. There is a way forward as shown by social psychologist, Jenny Williams (see The costly mistake almost every sporting club is making at http://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/sport-focus/2017/04/28/sports-psychology/).
Cynical Play
Guest
a conspiracy no doubt..eh, Rhys?
Boonzie
Guest
I seriously hope this match isn't as dire as I expect it to be... a high scoring match with some rugby played please.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Yeah, I raised my eyebrows at that one. Very inappropriate right before a derby match.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Except Simmons makes half again as many tackles and has about a 10% higher success rate than Mumm.
Neily
Guest
No. No NEVER not Dean Mumm. He is a big slow log, lacks the skills and gives away too many penalties. What low standard the Tahs we have fallen to and expect will see further decline if not big changes to the line-up, fitness, skill levels are made.
Centreman
Guest
The Tahs need Phipps to show the form of a couple of seasons ago when he really did earn his Wallaby spot. The bootlace high passes and often messy work at the scrum base didn't seem to me to be evident then as it is of late.
Akari
Roar Rookie
The Tahs are on a Goneski, according to Machooka yesterday, which then necessitates life support from the ARU.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Well, let's hope the Force time their run right eh??
FARMER
Guest
Fionn, Shhooooosh eaglejack doesn't want to hear those stats about Cooper..He is a Foley fan boy..
piru
Roar Rookie
Foxtel Go on the mobile mate perfect for standing in line at NIB when you've timed your run wrong
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
Mumm as a lock is only good for jumping in the lineout. His ball running is well below Super Rugby standard. Like Simmons, they seem to fall into tackles, rather than power through.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
The issue with Philps is oppositions can easily through his game off with "in your face tactics" If he can control his temper/frustration, he will be ok.
Crazy Horse
Guest
This game will be on whilst we are travelling to the match of the round Force V Lions which promises to be a cracker. I don't think we'll miss much.
mania
Guest
are you saying theyre useful ?
Ian Brown
Roar Pro
So what an interesting statement/advice by Bryne to say that the Waratahs are trying too hard, ease off and the mojo will return. So therefore they are trying too hard and they have the necessary skill set that is hidden or they are not trying hard enough and they don't have the necessary skill set. One would think from Hooper's comments last week that the forwards DON'T have the skill set as the set piece is rubbish or they are not putting in. This is an incredible statement to make by Bryne, AUS franchises are 0 against NZ this year. There are bits and pieces throughout each of the franchises but there isn't enough in the rest of each of them so naturally those who do have a skill set are targeted by well coached oppositions and the results are there for all to see.
country boy
Guest
Chek's influence - he needs the Tahs to perform for once so that he can include as many as possible in the Wobbly squad.
country boy
Guest
The Reds are still awful (and I'm a Reds supporter)! We were very luck to get that win against the Shorks. Fumbled our way to a win against the Kings, leaked far too may points in the 2nd half. I think this is likely to be a "trench warfare" game - whoever blinks first will be undone.
Cynical Play
Guest
No. they go to other franchises too. Not just Tahs.