Sekope Kepu: “He’s done what he needs to do to force his way back in the side,”
says coach Michael Cheika

Waratahs Rugby Media Release –

The NSW Waratahs have made four changes to their starting lineup for this Friday’s home clash against the Melbourne Rebels at Allianz Stadium, as they bid to return the coveted Weary Dunlop Shield to Sydney.

Coach Michael Cheika has selected Sekope Kepu to start at loosehead prop. NSW’s biggest ever player, Will Skelton, returns at lock, pushing Jacques Potgieter to flanker and Dave Dennis to No. 8.

Benn Robinson slips back to the bench to allow Wallaby prop Kepu his first run on start of 2014.

“I just wanted to try this combination, I thinks ‘Keps’ has played well and was unlucky to miss out in the first place. He’s done what he needs to do to force his way back in the side,” said Cheika. Kepu isn’t about to let his coach down, promising. “I’ll leave no stone unturned to get it right.”

He packs down alongside Paddy Ryan and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, who’ll become the sixth most capped NSW player in history, when he takes to the field on Friday night.

In the reshuffled pack, Skelton will join the durable Kane Douglas at lock, whilst the back row will comprise blindside flanker Potgieter, Michael Hooper, who earns his 50th Super Rugby cap at openside, and skipper Dave Dennis at No. 8.

If he comes on from the bench, Wycliff Palu will earn his 99th NSW state cap against Melbourne.  “We’ve got to make sure we use Cliff correctly and he’ll definitely contribute at the back end of the game,” stated the coach.

Scrumhalf Nick Phipps takes on his old club for the first time in Super Rugby, since joining the Waratahs at the start of this season.

“I’ve got a lot of friends down there but it won’t be any different to playing any other Australian franchise,” claimed the number nine.

In the midfield, Bernard Foley will wear the 10 jumper and Kurtley Beale, also lining up against his old club, will wear number 12.  Adam Ashley-Cooper is at outside centre and the back three of Peter Betham, Alofa Alofa and Israel Folau remains the same.

The match kicks off at 7.40pm at Allianz Stadium.  Alternatively, fans will be able to watch the game live on Fox Sports or keep up to date with every score, as it happens, with the NSW Waratahs’ live twitter feed by following @NSWWaratahs on twitter or by searching #WARvREB. Highlights of the game will also be available online on the NSW Waratahs’ YouTube channel, Tah TV.

NSW WARATAHS team to take on the Rebels, Asteron Life Super Rugby round 6, Allianz Stadium, Friday March 21 (7.40pm)
1. Sekope Kepu (Randwick); 2. Tatafu Polota Nau (Parramatta); 3. Paddy Ryan (Sydney University); 4. Will Skelton (Sydney University); 5. Kane Douglas (Southern Districts); 6. Jacques Potgieter (Eastern Suburbs); 7. Michael Hooper (Manly); 8. Dave Dennis (Sydney University, captain); 9. Nick Phipps (Sydney University); 10. Bernard Foley (Sydney University); 11. Peter Betham (Sydney University); 12. Kurtley Beale (Randwick); 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Northern Suburbs); 14. Alofa Alofa (West Harbour); 15. Israel Folau (Sydney University)

Replacements from:
16. Tolu Latu (Sydney University); 17. Jeremy Tilse (Sydney University); 18. Benn Robinson (Eastwood); 19. Wycliff Palu (Manly); 20. Stephen Hoiles (Randwick); 21. Brendan McKibbin (Eastern Suburbs); 22. Rob Horne (Southern Districts); 23. Matt Carraro (Randwick); 24. Pat McCutcheon (Sydney University); 25. Jonno Lance (Eastern Suburbs)