Waratah’s coach Rob Penney expects the Super Rugby AU kickoff on Friday night to be the first of many NSW internationals for rookie # 1. 8 Will Harris.
Harris will debut at No. 8, alongside Lachie Swinton and Michael Hooper in the NSW series, push the World Cup wallaby Jack Dempsey onto the bench.
The junior wallaby has been one of the most exciting prospects in schools and U20 programs in recent years, and Penney supported Harris to immediately mark the competition.
“I think everyone who sees Will Harris play will understand that he is an excellent footballer, has an excellent job rate, is a very good decision maker and someone who will approach us quickly, we think, and at this level will establish. ” Rugby pretty quickly, “he said.
“He has good intelligence, good emotional intelligence, leadership potential, there are many qualities that Will like.”
Penney has consistently supported inexperienced players, sometimes out of necessity, but also to more experienced veterans, and this first-round team reflects this policy.
A number of changes were reported earlier this week when injuries to Lalakai Foketi, Karmichael Hunt, Jake Gordon, and Tom Robertson were confirmed, but this quartet is just the beginning.
Ned Hanigan will play his first game of 2020 after persistent concussion problems and will team up with Captain Rob Simmons in the castles.
Junior Wallaby Joey Walton and Alex Newsome will team up to form a new midfield pair, and Jack Maddocks was selected at 15, as expected.
Will Harrison has clearly established itself as No. 1. 1 Flyhalf for the Waratahs and he will immediately have a litmus test against Reds 10 James O’Connor.
“Will had a great start to Super Rugby and for Will the areas of the game management game are the next step,” he said.
“He has all the skills, all the technical elements that you want in your 10, he only has to develop the technical components that fit.
“James O’Connor was world class, played across the board for Australia at international level and played a lot of clubs, and he’s on the other end of the spectrum, so to speak.”
‘It’s a great opportunity for Will. The more Will plays against people with different styles and experiences, the better. Great chance for Will to test himself against a world class player.“”
Junior Wallabies Center Joey Walton will be working with new vice captain Alex Newsome in midfield on Friday night, and Penney expected the youngster to bring in a valuable dose of energy.
“Joe is an energizer bunny,” he said.
“He has a lot of really good qualities that midfielders need.
“Relentless work ethic, great passion and a desire to win, and he has skills that give us a run, kick and pass option.
“We are excited to see what Joey will bring to this area.
“Of course, he’s not yet the finished product and he’s facing another young star in Will Harrison, but it’s a great opportunity to give these guys a chance and see if they can make this move.
“We have complete confidence that you can.”
The fresh faces continue on the bench, with the Sydney university hooker Tom Horton in reserve and Tiaan Tauakipulu, Tepai Moeroa, also queuing up for their first Waratahs appearances.
NSW has won the last eleven Super Rugby clashes against Queensland.
Queensland called his team for the duel on Wednesday and brought Fraser Mcreight to the home page for the first time.
The Waratahs will face the Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, July 3rd, starting AEST, LIVE at Foxtel, Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports at 7:05 p.m. Buy a Kayo subscription here.
TEAM
Waratahs against the Reds
1. Angus Bell
2. Robbie Abel
3. Harry Johnson-Holmes
4. Ned Hanigan
5. Rob Simmons (C)
6. Lachlan Swinton
7. Michael Hooper
8. Will Harris
9. Mitch Short
10. Will Harrison
11. Mark Nawaqanitawase
12. Joey Walton
13. Alex Newsome (Vc)
14. James Ramm
15. Jack Maddocks
Reserves
16. Tom Horton
17. Faulkner teapot
18. Tiaan headdress
19. Tom Staniforth
20. Jack Dempsey
21. Michael Mcdonald
22. Ben Donaldson
23. Tepai Moeroa
