Ben Volavola scored a try on his Super Rugby debut off the bench two weeks ago but is set to run on from the start against the Brumbies on Saturday – Photo: Carl Peterson

by Brendan Bradford –

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika says Ben Volavola’s form during the first two games of the season has made it impossible not to select the Southern Districts playmaker at fullback for his debut Super Rugby start against the Brumbies this Saturday night in Canberra. Volavola gives the Tahs another playmaking option in addition to flyhalf Bernard Foley and his impact off the bench against the Reds and Rebels sparked the side into action after slow starts in both games.

“Ben’s just made it too difficult not to pick him,” said Cheika after training on Thursday.

“He’s playing very well and he’s forced me to make some changes because his combination in there with Bernard works well and hopefully we can keep that working for the weekend.”

Volavola epitomises the new style Cheika wants the Waratahs to play with this season and his ball carrying, kicking and vision have been outstanding so far.

“He’s just not scared,” said Cheika.

“He’s not scared to fail, he’s not scared to take a chance and back himself and I like that.”

Volavola shot to prominence on the back of Southern Districts’ Shute Shield Grand Final run last year and earned a Super Rugby contract after impressing coaches during a three week trial in October. The 22-year-old was back where it all began on Thursday as the Waratahs trained at his old school, Newington College, where he earned a rugby scholarship.

Israel Folau switches from fullback to wing – Photo: Carl Peterson.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said.

“I always dreamt of playing for the Waratahs and hopefully getting a start, and that day has come, so I just want to grab it with both hands and make both my teammates and my coaches proud.”

Although he has forced Israel Folau to the wing, Volavola hopes the promising combination the two have developed over the first two weeks of the season will continue to flourish.

“We’ve been comfortable when side-by-side and we’re trying to mix it up and play our own game when we’re on the field together,” he said.

Volavola can slot in at flyhalf or fullback and with the versatile Lachie Turner returning to the bench, Cheika says he has all bases covered in the backline.

“We’re going with a 5-2 bench and I think Lachie Turner has good experience and can cover fullback, wing and centre and deserves an opportunity because he hasn’t had a chance yet,” he said.

“He’s starting to get a bit angry which I like and hopefully he’ll make it count when he goes on the field.”

The rest of the backline remains unchanged.

In the forwards, Mitchell Chapman moves to blindside flanker with Dave Dennis replacing the injured Wycliff Palu at No. 8 and Sitaleki Timani partnering Kane Douglas in the second-row. Benn Robinson starts at loose-head prop after his Man-of-the-Match performance against the Rebels last weekend with Tatafu Polota-Nau at hooker and Sekope Kepu gaining his 50th Super Rugby cap at tighthead.

Pat McCutcheon returns to the bench after spending the last 12-months on the sidelines injured while lock Greg Peterson looks to make his second Super Rugby appearance. Former Force and Rebels hooker Luke Holmes starts on the bench in his first Waratahs match with Paddy Ryan, Lopeti Timani, Matt Lucas and Turner rounding out the replacements.

Waratahs team to play the Brumbies – Saturday March 9, Canberra Stadium (kick off 7.40pm)

1. Benn Robinson 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau 3. Sekope Kepu 4. Sitaleki Timani 5. Kane Douglas 6. Mitchell Chapman 7. Michael Hooper 8. Dave Dennis (capt) 9. Brendan McKibbin 10. Bernard Foley 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Tom Carter 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper 14. Israel Folau 15. Ben Volavola

Replacements – 16. Luke Holmes 17. Paddy Ryan 18. Greg Peterson 19. Lopeti Timani 20. Pat McCutcheon 21. Matt Lucas 22. Lachie Turner.