Thursday, 23 February 2012
The Waratahs have suffered yet another injury blow ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby season opener against the Reds, with five-eighth Berrick Barnes ruled out with a minor groin complaint.
Barnes felt a twinge in his groin in last Friday's trial against Tonga and was ruled out of the Reds clash on Thursday morning.
The Wallabies playmaker joins fellow Test players Rocky Elsom (hamstring), Drew Mitchell (hamstring), Lachie Turner (hamstring) and Dan Vickerman (leg) in an already crowded Waratahs casualty ward.
Back-up five-eighth Daniel Halangahu will wear the No.10 jersey - and the captain's armband - in Barnes' absence.
Rookie head coach Michael Foley is confident the 'Tahs can cover the loss of Barnes against the reigning champions at ANZ Stadium.
"Our pre-season focus has been on preparing all players for the start of the season and for the role they play within the team," Foley said on Thursday.
"Berrick and Daniel shared the captaincy and No.10 duties in both our trial matches and both were well placed to lead us in the first match."
"We're confident in Daniel's abilities as a player and a leader."
"Our focus is on the talent we do have and across the squad we have good depth in all positions."
Benn Robinson will complete his return from the knee injury that ended his hopes of a World Cup campaign while No.8 Wycliff Palu will play after overcoming a chronic hamstring complaint.
The match marks the first regular-season fixture in Waratahs colours for South African-born half-back Sarel Pretorius and former Brumby Adam Ashley-Cooper.
"I'm looking forward to Adam and Sarel providing the influence that is expected of them on the field," Foley said.
"Scrum halves touch the ball more than anyone else so Sarel is a key decision maker for us."
"In our two trial matches he's looked a constant threat and has proven his communication skills."
"Adam is a class player who brings experience, versatility and attacking ability to our outside backs."
The clash also sees winger Brackin Karauria-Henry return to Super Rugby action for the first time in over a year after the 23-year-oldwas sidelined by a back injury, while fellow young-gun Tom Kingston will mark the dangerous Digby Ioane on the other wing.
"When an opportunity is provided, such as it is on Saturday, I've no doubt that the players asked to step up will take their opportunities," Foley said.
"For Brackin and Tom, to get a start in round one is a fantastic opportunity for both of them. Each have worked hard throughout the pre-season and put in good trial match performances."
Waratahs: 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Tom Kingston, 13. Rob Horne, 12. Tom Carter, 11. Brackin Karauria-Henry, 10. Daniel Halangahu (c), 9. Sarel Pretorius, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Dave Dennis, 5. Dean Mumm, 4. Kane Douglas, 3. Sekope Kepu, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Benn Robinson.
Reserves: 16. Damien Fitzpatrick, 17. Paddy Ryan, 18. Lopeti Timani, 19. Jono Jenkins, 20. Brendan McKibbin, 21. Bernard Foley, 22. Nathan Trist.