Young Kiwi prop to debut for Waratahs

[Flamethrower]

Young Kiwi prop to debut for Waratahs
AAP | Thursday, 28 February 2008
Young Kiwi prop to debut for Waratahs - Rugby news & coverage - Stuff.co.nz



Young prop Sekope Kepu will make his starting Super 14 rugby debut for the Waratahs in their clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

The 22-year-old was drafted into the run-on team after Wallabies prop Al Baxter was ruled out following the head knock he suffered against the Chiefs last week.

"Baxter struggled a bit this week with some headaches and although the scans have been positive he's not ready to play on Saturday," coach Ewen McKenzie said.

Kepu, who came across from New Zealand just a few months ago, will start at loose head, with Matt Dunning shifting to tight head.

Australian under-19 prop Dan Palmer was named on the bench in place of Wallaby Benn Robinson.

McKenzie said he thought about retaining Robinson on the bench, but needed a specialist tight head and had been impressed with Palmer's development.

In the other change to the starting side, lock Will Caldwell has replaced Dean Mumm, who drops to the bench.

Waratahs: Lachie Turner, Timana Tahu, Ben Jacobs, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Brett Sheehan, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (captain), Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Will Caldwell, Matt Dunning, Adam Freier, Sekope Kepu. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Dan Palmer, Dean Mumm, Beau Robinson, Luke Burgess, Sam Harris, Alfi Mafi.

[prop53]

I think Baxter must have got that head knock a long time agao

[jazza93]

I havent seen much of him but i think he will play well with Waugh, Elsom and Palu off the free kicks.