Waratahs expected line up against the Chiefs
Waratahs have secured their first win after two consecutive losses that came against the Brumbies during week six of the Super Rugby League at Bruce Stadium, Canberra.
Waratahs have played a magnificent game of the rugby to shock the Brumbies with a try coming in the final minute of the game.
New South Wales Waratahs now will take on the challenge of the Chiefs at Aussie Stadium in Sydney at the coming weekend. Waratahs are currently placed at sixth place on the combined table with three wins and two losses coming from their five games of the
season. They are slightly ahead of Bulls on the points table. Western Forces and will had the momentum on their back after securing the win against the Brumbies.
Although Chiefs are placed at the 11th spot still they have a big win under their belt, as they managed edge home with victory over the Sharks still are expected to provide NSW Waratahs with a stern challenge.
Waratahs have hinted to go all out against the Chiefs to secure a win and all-important bonus point to further consolidate their position in the table to see them through to the play offs. Alongside players recovering from the injuries, Waratahs have also
signed Former Western Force Lock player, Pat O Conner and has immediately included him in their starting line up to take the field against the Chiefs on coming Friday.
O Connor was able to join the Waratahs due to unavailability of Waratahs most capped Lock Will Caldwell who is fighting out the Crohn’s disease. O Connor made the debut for the Western Force during the 2006 season and has battled his knee injuries during
the 2007 and 2008 and was back in full form during the 2008 development tour to England followed by featuring in 2009 rugby league season.
Recently, he was with the Northland for which current Waratahs lock Cam Jowitt also featured. He has termed his move as a step towards reaching the ultimate goal of playing for the Wallabies in near future.
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey has already worked with the O Connor during the 21s which would be of great help to O Conner. He will start in the second row in place of Kane Douglas.
Alongside him Prop Paddy Ryan will also get the opportunity to show his talent on field with the big guys.
In other news, several of the Waratahs players have recovered from the injuries they are suffering to boost their line-up. Friday game will mark the return of Tatafu Polota-Nau recovering from Knee injury and Benn Robinson.
Other news includes Sekope Kepu replacing Al Baxter who was forced out due to thumb injury and Kurtley Beale retained as fly half courtesy of his fine display during the closing moment of their game against the Brumbies.
Chris Hickey and team will be looking to capitalize on the Chiefs poor run of form and with the best available resources Waratahs will be looking forward to deny Chiefs with a bonus point by securing their fourth win in the Super XV.
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