The Waratahs remain winless after five meetings so far. Especially when they were hit so easily last week v Queensland Reds at home. Despite a little boost only in the 2nd half. At the same time they also sacked Rob Penney from the coach role.
With Jason Gilmore and Chris Whitaker taking the reigns for now. Their first assignment will be a tough one at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Where the Tahs will face current champs ACT Brumbies.
Brumbies have won both games against them in 2020. The same goes two years ago. While the Waratahs have last won during Round 7 on March 31 2018 in Canberra. And their last home win v Brumbies was Week 6 on 22 March 2015.
Waratahs
Angus Bell moves back to loosehead after coming off the bench last week. Where he recovered on the sidelines from Round 2 to 5 due to injury. So Harry Johnson-Holmes pushed to tighthead. With Dave Porecki still holding on at hooker. There is a new face on the block such as Max Douglas. He will join Jeremy Williams.
And the back row trio will remain ahead of tomorrow night. Hugh Sinclair, Carlo Tizzano & Will Harris. Jake Gordon now returns from injury at half-back. As well as the captaincy. Will Harrison remains at fly-half. So does James Ramm & Alex Newsome on each wing. Izaia Perese & Lalakai Foketi swap each other in the midfield. And Jack Maddocks at No.15.
Subs
Tom Horton still behind Dave Porecki at hooker. Tetere Faulkner & Darcy Breen in the props. Michael Wood in the second row. As well as Charlie Gamble at loose forward. Jack Grant demoted to the reserve half-back. Tane Edmed behind Will Harrison. And Mark Nawaqanitawase completes the Tahs matchday 23. Where he looks to gain some time at utility back.
Brumbies
Harry Lloyd & James Slipper in the prop positions. With Folau Faingaa at hooker in the No.2 shirt. Darcy Swain out for Nick Frost alongside Caderyn Neville. Rob Valetini is joined by the returning Tom Cusack at flanker. And Pete Samu at 8.
Nic White & Noah Lolesio remains at 9 & 10. Andy Muirhead shifted from right to left wing. Where Tom Wright returns from a long-term knee injury. Irae Simone & Len Ikitau stays in this midfield. As Tom Banks completes the Brumbies XV v Waratahs.
Subs
Lachlan Longeran at hooker. Fred Kaihea & Richie Kautai in the props. James Tucker at lock. Rory Scott as reserve back rower. Ryan Longeran behind White. While Bayley Kuenzle back as the 2nd choice fly-half. And Mack Hansen at utility back.
Final Thoughts
Waratahs would have to be on their very best. Since there is little pathway to get themselves in Playoff contention. One thing for sure is that they know how to fire off. Thanks to their defense reading/help that helped them win penalties. But unable to get the ball rolling with a lack of patience. And it will interesting if the Tahs can marry up the consistency. Especially with Jake Gordon back from injury. And take the skipper band again at half-back
Brumbies on the other hand wants to keep on winning. And it would be a better time when they have a couple returned from injury. In which will no doubt boost their chances. So the Grand Final berth is still there either way. And chase that 2nd consecutive title. They are well balanced when their run was all-round from start to finish. Too easy to close cap it off last Friday v Western Force. They hope to do the same thing again v the Waratahs.
The end result for me would be the Brumbies to win by 25 points.
