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Dan McKellar’s side travel to New Zealand to face the Hurricanes who’s position on the table doesn’t represent their efforts on the field. The Waratahs have won four out of five and are bringing great momentum into their mini tour of New Zealand after a fantastic win over the Brumbies. However, the Hurricanes will be determined to start a new chapter of their season after a disappointing start.
Dan McKellar’s side travel to New Zealand to face the Hurricanes who’s position on the table doesn’t represent their efforts on the field. The Waratahs have won four out of five and are bringing great momentum into their mini tour of New Zealand after a fantastic win over the Brumbies. However, the Hurricanes will be determined to start a new chapter of their season after a disappointing start.
I still believe they’re struggling to cope with the loss of Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea, they really do look agonisingly close to securing wins and those missing players are the difference, they’re the missing ingredients. No shame Hurricanes, they’re two of the best players in the world, not many teams could cope without them.
Lets take a look at some of the talking points ahead of this weekend’s game:
The Ferrari is Out of the Stable… The Bronco is Out of the Garage?
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns! Rugby Australia’s million dollar man returns to the starting team which is an incredible injection of quality for this Waratahs team. Most interestingly, his return doesn’t come in Dan McKellar’s heralded 15 shirt but Joe Schmidt’s 13 jersey. The positional move is even more perplexing considering Andrew Kellaway is unavailable this weekend, so there’s a slot available for him in the back three. But McKellar, in all his wisdom, has chosen to unleash the former NRL star in the midfield. Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan, the Hurricanes midfield will have their hands full this weekend.
Back Row Battle
This weekend’s fixture has an international flair to it, particularly in the number 8 shirt. Langi Gleeson and Peter Lakai pack down opposition each other at the base of the scrum and both players will be tasked with setting the tone early. Gleeson has recently signed for Top14 strugglers Montpellier causing him to be uninvited from the latest Wallaby training camp. Lakai on the other hand looks to be part of the new generation of All Blacks after a strong finish in their northern tour.
Co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi watches the Hurricane’s flank from the number seven shirt and continues to bang on the door of All Blacks selectors. Kirifi has two appearances for the All Blacks XV but has yet to earn his full international debut. The Waratahs have two similar players in their back row. Charlie Gamble has racked up 50 games for the NSW Waratahs and Rob Leota seems to be the forgotten man in Australia from a fans perspective, but his work out wide won’t have gone unnoticed by Joe Schmidt. Rob Leota needs to deliver consistent performances week in week out to distance himself from the high highs and low lows of his Melbourne Rebels days. He’s quietly going about his business, which I really like, and this weekend’s game up against Lakai and Kirifi will be another great test for him.