Israel Folau returns in a revamped NSW Waratahs line-up desperate for redemption in Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Blues at Brookvale Oval.
Folau will line up at fullback in his first outing since suffering a hamstring injury five weeks ago against the Brumbies – and first since sparking a storm of controversy over his online comments about homosexuality.
The inclusion of the Wallabies’ superstar is among five changes to the starting side, who had entered the record books as the first NSW outfit held scoreless in 23 seasons of Super Rugby.
Folau replaces the benched Bryce Hegarty, with winger Alex Newsome dropped to make way for Cam Clark and new outside centre Lalakai Foketi, relegating Curtis Rona to a reserves role.
In the forwards, Will Miller will start in the back row instead of Jed Holloway, with Ned Hanigan returning to lock in favour of Tom Staniforth.
Coach Daryl Gibson vowed to “mix and match” his line-ups during a season-defining four-game stretch against New Zealand opposition.
“We’re entering a really competitive phase of our year and I really want to share that around and give guys opportunities to contribute,” Gibson said on Thursday.
“I’ve kept largely the same team (in 2018). We’ve been very fortunate with injuries this season and I don’t want guys to be disheartened at not getting a run.
“I’m making a real strong commitment to them that things are going to be different over the next few weeks.”
The Waratahs are looking to end Australian teams’ dire run of 36-straight Super Rugby defeats to Kiwi rivals since May, 2016.
With just two wins from nine starts, the Blues are running last in the New Zealand conference but Gibson won’t be lulled into “rubbish” talk about the Aucklanders being there for the taking.
“Everyone’s got their challenges. The Blues are going through theirs,” he said.
“I look at us. We’re coming off a belting – 29-nil (against the Lions). We’re still working out how that happened, learning the lessons from that – and still seething from it.
“We want to make sure we respond well.”
Folau proved a revelation on the wing before being injured and Gibson said the code-hopper’s return to fullback didn’t mean an end to the use of his deadly aerial skills.
“That’s still an opportunity for us. We’re trying to look for ways to evolve in that aerial tactic in particular,” he said.
“So nothing changes for us. We’re looking for those contested balls, for him to claim them (going) forward and to really get involved in the game.”
WARATAHS:
Israel Folau, Cam Clark, Lalakai Foketi, Kurtley Beale, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (capt), Will Miller, Rob Simmons, Ned Hanigan, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Tom Robertson.
Res: Hugh Roach, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Tom Staniforth, Jed Holloway, Nick Phipps, Curtis Rona, Bryce Hegarty.
Bill
Guest
Izzy, Izz, Iz there another player that has as much pshycophantic hero worship? So, so, so over Izzy.
Malo
Guest
Izzy is 15 . He ain’t a winger
PeterK
Roar Guru
agree, it was the forwards not backs that let you down. So he rushes in backs changes. The blues are vulnerable to good defensive side in the backs and a good kicking side. Hegarty adds a lot more to the kicking department and Rona is a better defender than Foketi, in fact a better player all round. If you moved Beale to f/b and Foketi to 12 I would have understood that considering R Ioane is at 12 for the Blues. I would have also understood Clark for TN due to defensive issues. The Tahs pack looks well beaten for power with Kaino and Tuipulotu back. The Blues backs are faster and more threatening.
Brisvegas
Guest
Izzy what? looking forward to seeing this match
John R
Roar Guru
Damn I'm feeling a little less confident with no Hegarty in the XV, he's been a real rock for that backline.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I hope guys like Latu, Vui, Sauni and Meafua aren't getting "disheartened at not getting a run", Daryl. And not sure what you are talking about with regard to keeping “largely the same team". You succesfully transformed your backline and now have basically reverted to what you started the season with. The only change on Saturday compared to the first games of the season is Clarke in for Kellaway and Naiyaravoro and Rona swapped between the bench and starting positions. You'd finally twigged to the correct set up for the backline, then the team has a bad loss due to the forwards losing the breakdown battle (as they have all year) and you immediately revert the backline to how you started the season with the wingers tweaked. Four substitutions in the backline (when you haven't made many changes?) is madness. You needed to make a single substitution. Folau back in for Newsome - that was the sole backline sub needed.
Cynical Play
Guest
Judgement Day! Will be hard to cheer as loudly for one Izzy Folau, from my point of view. Giibbo has gone for Folau at 15 and Foketi at 13, in what looks like a running backline and I don't mind it. Beale to Foketi with Folau and TQ lurking looks threatening. Hegarty and Rona out of the 15 but nearby in case plan A goes belly up. He sure is showing alot of faith in Cam Clarke elevating him to starting wing. Gibbo reckons he is 'player managing' by mixing up the team with 5 changes to the one thrashed by the Lions. Fair enough as it's a tough month coming up. It's still a strong backline, and the bench is very strong. Good to see Wells and Miller going with Hooper in what looks like a very mobile back row. Holloway on the bench - what's not to like. This look like being a cracker. Bookies have Tahs/Blues 1.50/2.60 but I think it's a bit tighter than that. Go Tahs.