NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar is confident the squad's depth can deliver victory over the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, as several Wallabies will stay in Sydney for their round 10 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match.
Forwards Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota will all miss the trip as part of the national rotation policy for the Wallabies.
It paves the way for eight-Test prop Isaac Kailea to start, with opening round hero Siosifa Amone and Australia A prop Tom Lambert coming onto the bench.
Number eight Langi Gleeson will also come on the bench, with Leafi Talatania named to start.
McKellar says with the management of Wallaby players of national interest, Bell, Leota and Tupou rotate out this week.
He says Bell and Leota have had heavy workloads, but that provides more opportunity for Isaac Kailea, Tom Lambert, Leafi Talataina, Dan Botha and Siosifa Amone.
Wallabies 2024 debutant Tane Edmed is also back in the squad, named on the bench.
In further changes, Jamie Adamson shifts to blindside flanker after his impressive debut start, with Charlie Gamble back in the side.
McKellar says this is an important game for us leading into the bye week, and freshening up the group with selection was part of that.
He says they are also going to a great rugby nation, an environment where they will respect and support the Drua.
The Coach says one thing they all love about the Fijians is that they respect good rugby and good rugby in teams they play against and they are excited about showing that.
The Drua will take on the Waratahs at 2.05pm this Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
In other matches this week, the Crusaders will host the Blues at 7.05pm tomorrow, Moana Pasifika will take on the Brumbies at 4.35pm Saturday, the Chiefs will play the Highlanders at 7.05pm Saturday, and the Western Force will take on the Hurricanes at 9.35pm Saturday.
[Source: rugby.com.au]
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