Waratahs coach Michael Foley says there are plenty of Super Rugby jerseys up for grabs going into Friday’s final trial against Tonga, with the front-row surprisingly among the most hotly-contested areas.
The Sydney Football Stadium clash over four 30-minute quarters will allow Foley the chance to field two completely different teams for 60 minutes each.
Prop Benn Robinson and No.8 Wycliff Palu will each have their first hit-outs of the pre-season ahead of the round one clash with Queensland in Sydney on February 25.
Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau was originally named in the stronger line-up contesting the first half, but was ruled out after pulling up sore from last week’s clash with Samoa.
On paper and experience, Robinson, Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu should be automatic selections for the first round, but Foley revealed the Wallabies trio aren’t assured of being picked for the first-round derby.
“There’s a lot of contested positions; the front-row particularly I think is a position where there’s been significant improvement in what probably would have been considered the number two guys from last year,” Foley told AAP.
“Paddy Ryan played particularly well last week and Damien Fitzpatrick and Jeremy Tilse.
“John Ulugia played tight head for us last week in the trial and I thought did exceptionally well.
“The more well-known guys like Keps, Robbo, Taf certainly have to play well to secure that position in that first game.”
AAP aw