By Dan Elsom

The NSW Waratahs have called upon generation next to strengthen their squad to tour South Africa, after Tolu Latu and Will Skelton were suspended overnight.

Latu and Skelton will miss four and two weeks respectively after being suspended for a tip tackle on Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock.

Eastwood hooker Hugh Roach is expected to move into the starting side to replace Latu, whilst Gordon back-rower Jack Dempsey has been added to the touring list after making his debut against the Sharks in Round 14.

Manly hooker Dave Porecki will also get his first taste of Super Rugby, joining the squad as emergency cover for the NSW front row.

Despite the suspension of Latu and Skelton causing an unwanted, Michael Hooper is confident the side will be able to adapt to the changes.

“There’s plenty of keen faces with Jack Dempsey, Hugh Roach and Dave Porecki coming in. So they are going to bring some enthusiasm, but it’s a new challenge for us and something we are going to have to get right on tour.”

Hooper has been impressed with what he has seen from the likes of Porecki and Roach, having played with or against both at club and junior level.

“I’ve played with Dave at Manly, he’s a really good, really mobile hooker… As far as I can gather he’s really solid in the scrum, and Roachy gets through a hell of a lot of work. In the little amount of time I’ve played with him he’s had a really good impact on the field.”

The Waratahs have struggled for consistency at hooker this season, with Wallaby Tatafu Polota Nau missing a considerable amount of game time due to concussion.

The four week suspension of Latu has given Roach the opportunity to start in the last three games of the regular season and stake his claim for the number two jersey next year.

“Unfortunately its come under these circumstances, but I’m going to take my opportunity and give it everything I’ve got,” said Roach. “I’ve been in and around the Tahs for a while now, so I’ve been on standby if anything ever happened.”

Despite strong performances for Eastwood in the Shute Shield this season, Roach is aware he will need to step up to perform well at Super level.

“I’ve had game time in club rugby so I feel physically fit, but 80 (minutes) is going to be a new experience at Super level, “ he said.

Whilst Roach is looking to develop his game at the next level, doing the simple things right will be key for a solid performance against the Lions.

“Set piece; my lineout throwing and scrums are going to be of uttermost importance, and then everything else is kind of a bonus for me at this stage… Getting turnovers and tackles, I really haven’t played that much game time so I’m really going to try to do that.”

The Waratahs take on the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday morning Sydney time.