Rocky Elsom returns to lead a drastically-changed NSW Waratahs team which is missing Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau in their must-win Super Rugby home clash with the Bulls on Friday night.
Coach Michael Foley wielded the axe on Wednesday in the wake of Saturday’s 23-6 loss to the Brumbies, making seven personnel changes and three positional changes to his starting team.
Former Wallabies skipper Elsom replaces Dave Dennis at blindside flanker after averaging 15 minutes off the bench in the past three games in his return from injury.
Polota-Nau has been rested following two heavy head knocks suffered against the Brumbies, with John Ulugia to start at hooker.
Utility Daniel Halangahu comes off the bench to start in the unfamiliar position of fullback, import Sarel Pretorius replaces Brendan McKibbin at halfback and Dean Mumm returns to the starting second row.
Rob Horne is back from suspension at outside centre while Wallaby winger Adam Ashley-Cooper is switched to inside centre, relegating Tom Carter to the bench while Tom Kingston returns to the wing.
Chris Alcock resumes the openside flanker role from Jono Jenkins after missing the Brumbies match with injury.
Foley expected Ashley-Cooper to help add direction in attack as he lines up between Horne and five-eighth Berrick Barnes.
“Rob (Horne) 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,” he said.
He believed Pretorius had special value playing against his South African countrymen.
“Pretorius has shown great form off the bench and has a good understanding of what’s required against the Bulls,” said Foley.
Ulugia’s elevation to starting hooker allows newcomer Josh Mann-Rea a spot on the bench as back up.
NSW Waratahs: Daniel Halangahu, Tom Kingston, Rob Horne, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Atieli Pakalani, Berrick Barnes, Sarel Pretorius, Wycliff Palu, Chris Alcock, Rocky Elsom (capt), Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, John Ulugia, Benn Robinson. Res: John Mann-Rea, Jeremy Tilse, Sitaleki Timani, Lopeti Timani, Dave Dennis, Brendan McKibbin, Tom Carter.
