'tahs named for Force Match

[Darren]

Michael Cheika has named his team for the Round 1 clash against the Western Force this Sunday, 4pm at Allianz Stadium.

Taqele Naiyaravoro has been named in the starting line-up for the first time in his career with the Waratahs, and Dave Dennis and Matt Carraro will make their returns from injury in Round 1. Meanwhile, new addition to the squad Sam Lousi has been named on the bench.

Position	Name

1	LOOSEHEAD PROP	Benn Robinson

2	HOOKER	Tatafu Polota-Nau

3	TIGHTHEAD PROP	Sekope Kepu

4	LEFT LOCK	David Dennis (C)

5	RIGHT LOCK	Will Skelton

6	LEFT FLANKER	Jaques Potgieter

7	RIGHT FLANKER	Michael Hooper (VC)

8	NUMBER EIGHT	Wycliff Palu

9	SCRUMHALF	Nick Phipps

10	FLYHALF	Bernard Foley

11	LEFT WING	Rob Horne

12	INSIDE CENTRE	Kurtley Beale

13	OUTSIDE CENTRE	Adam Ashley-Cooper (VC)

14	RIGHT WING	Taqele Naiyaravoro

15	FULLBACK	Israel Folau

Replacements:	

16	RESERVE	Tolu Latu

17	RESERVE	Jeremy Tilse

18	RESERVE	Paddy Ryan

19	RESERVE	Sam Lousi

20	RESERVE	Mitchell Chapman

21	RESERVE	Stephen Hoiles

22	RESERVE	Brendan McKibbin

23	RESERVE	Matt Carraro

[maelkann]

Left and right flankers rather than open and blindside?

[The InnFORCEr]

That is a pretty strong starting 15!

[GIGS20]

Yeah, the only place I can see any hope is locks, and I think we're all agreed Sammy is a bit of a surprise starter.

Junior vs Beale will be an interesting match up. Contrasting styles and experience. I'd like to see junior towel him up, but can't commit.

Backdrop should go ok, the loss of hodgo will be felt. I think him yards ahead of Hooper in reality and that would become obvious. Benny Mac is strong get than palm, but Gus will have his hands full.

It's a big ask for the force, I think this match is the tahs' to lose.

[hertryk]

That is a pretty strong starting 15!

I count 10 Wallabies... not that that is ANYTHING to go by .....
C'Arn the Force.. The Mighty Sir Nathan reckons you can crack them...

[beige]

Yeah, the only place I can see any hope is locks, and I think we're all agreed Sammy is a bit of a surprise starter.

Be interesting how Dennis goes this season.

[Alison]

If we can play well enough to pick up a losing bonus point I'll be well happy with that

[MI5_Dog]

great starting side but the bench is a bit of an unknown.
a few injuries and that could see the end of the 'Tah's season.

[jargan83]

Courtesy of an email from RugbyWA

2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby – NSW Waratahs v Western Force

1. Pekahou Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Sam Wykes (c)
5. Adam Coleman
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Chris Alcock
8. Ben McCalman
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Marcel Brache
12. Solomoni Jnr Rasolea
13. Kyle Godwin
14. Luke Morahan
15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Francois van Wyk
18. Oliver Hoskins
19. Steve Mafi**
20. Brynard Stander
21. Ian Prior
22. Zack Holmes
23. Luke Burton
** denotes Western Force/Super Rugby debut

[GIGS20]

Mafi and Stander on the bench....they must be banking on Will Skelton playing a lot of minutes and running out of steam before Coleman comes off.

[The InnFORCEr]

Wow, Coleman must have recovered well to leave Mafi on the bench, go well men

[WF2006]

Hadn't Tessman signed with the Rabble?

[WF2006]

Pretty good looking side. As expected really, good to see most of the club seems to be available for selection. (with obvious sadness for the missing skipper)
Question Brache's pace on the wing, but I guess he's just keeping the seat warm for the Badge.

[Sheikh]

Pretty good looking side. As expected really, good to see most of the club seems to be available for selection. (with obvious sadness for the missing skipper)
Question Brache's pace on the wing, but I guess he's just keeping the seat warm for the Badge.

I used to question Brache's pace on the wing, too, but at the trials he looked like he'd been concentrating on speed in the off-season.

[Jeansyjive]

Junior running at Beale will be interesting.. if Beale defends at 12 that is.

I think we have an advantage in the locks.

Here's hoping Skelton hasn't learnt how to scrummage yet.

Go Force