Rocky back to lead Tahs against Bulls

Rocky Elsom will lead the HSBC Waratahs for the second time when the side takes on the Bulls at Allianz Stadium this Friday.

Elsom last led NSW against the Highlanders in 2007.  His return to the starting lineup is one of seven personnel and three positional changes to the run on side that was beaten 23-6 by the Brumbies in Canberra last weekend.

The Bulls clash will be the team’s third match in 13 days and, mindful of the demanding trip to South Africa that lies immediately ahead, Head Coach Michael Foley has made a handful of changes.

Dean Mumm returns to the second row after being rotated last week against the Brumbies, whilst on-form flanker Dave Dennis takes a break after starting every match of the season to date.  The change opens the door for skipper Rocky Elsom to return to the starting lineup, after averaging 15 minutes from the bench in the last three matches.

This week also sees the return of centre Rob Horne (following a two-week suspension) and injured flanker Chris Alcock.

“Clearly it’s great to have Rob and Chris back in the team,” said Foley.  Both were first choice players before their enforced absences and return to the starting line up for Friday’s match.

Alcock takes over from Jono Jenkins whilst Horne will line up in the centre alongside Adam Ashley-Cooper, with Daniel Halangahu returning to the starting side to assume the No. 15 jersey and Tom Kingston reverting to wing.  “Rob and Adam have had lots of experience in both centre positions and, as play evolves, we will need them both to provide Berrick with support as second receivers.”

The match sees several other players get their opportunity to make a bigger impact in this game, after positive performances in recent weeks. Amongst them is former Cheetahs’ scrum half Sarel Pretorius, who starts in place of Brendan McKibbin.  “Pretorius has shown great form off the bench and has a good understanding of what’s required against the Bulls,” said Foley.

The match also represents a first start of the season for hooker John Ulugia, who comes in for Tatafu Polota-Nau.  “What is most important to us is to ensure Taf is 100%,” said Foley of the hooker who left the field in the first half of last weekend’s match.  “His welfare and value to the squad are critical and with a borderline decision like this, we’ve taken the position that the risk is not worth it.

“John showed in his starting game last year against the Force at the SFS what he is capable of,” he added.

With Damien Fitzpatrick out with a knee injury, Ulugia’s elevation sees newcomer Josh Mann-Rea make his first appearance in a NSW match day 22 since 2003.  A former Australian Schoolboy, U19 and U21 and Junior Waratah, the 31-year-old Manly hooker has been training with the squad since April, having previously spent three years with Japanese club Kyden Voltex.

HSBC WARATAHS v Bulls15. Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University)

14. Tom Kingston (Sydney University)

13. Rob Horne (Southern Districts)

12. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Northern Suburbs)

11. Atieli Pakalani (Southern Districts)

10. Berrick Barnes (Sydney University), vice captain

9. Sarel Pretorius (Gordon)

8. Wycliff Palu (Manly)

7. Chris Alcock (Eastwood)

6. Rocky Elsom (Randwick), captain

5. Kane Douglas (Southern Districts)

4. Dean Mumm (Sydney University)

3. Sekope Kepu (Randwick)

2. John Ulugia (Southern Districts)

1. Benn Robinson (Eastwood)

Replacements

16. John Mann-Rea (Manly)

17. Jeremy Tilse (Sydney University)

18. Sitaleki Timani (Southern Districts)

19. Lopeti Timani (Southern Districts)

20. Dave Dennis (Sydney University)

21. Brendan McKibbin (Eastern Suburbs)

22. Tom Carter (Sydney University)

Tags: Bulls, Super Rugby, Waratahs