The NSW Waratahs have received timely boosts after their extra-time defeat to the Fijian Drua with the emotional returns of Lalakai Foketi and Will Harrison.
The pair were named in the reserves for Friday’s clash against the Melbourne Rebels at Allianz Stadium.
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“It’s great news,” assistant coach Chris Whitaker said. “They both received a big cheer in the team meeting when the team was announced.
“They’ve both obviously had different injury setbacks but they’ve both shown a lot of mental fortitude and strength of character to come back from their injuries."
Both have fought their way back from significant career-threatening injury setbacks to be fit for this week's must-win contest.
Foketi returns almost a month after he was taken to hospital with a neck injury following a freak accident at training.
It happened ahead of their opening clash with the Queensland Reds, with the Wallaby carted away by ambulance.
“They boys saw Lalakai taken away in an ambulance which was quite frightening for them so they’re happy to see him back,” Whittaker reflects.
“He gives us a lot of experience in that backline and the boys love to play with him."
Meanwhile, it will be the first time Harrison will play in a Super Rugby game in 707 days after a leg injury during the inaugural Super Round in 2022 against the Chiefs.
“It’s been a long battle for Will Harrison. It’s so good to see him back,” Whittaker added.
“The boys have seen him in here every day working on his injuries. He’s raring to go and he’s a little terrier who will give us plenty of energy.
The luckless Harrison missed the majority of the 2023 season with an ACL injury, returning via the Waratahs ‘A’ side over the past weeks.
“Instantly my mindset was ‘it is what it is’. I could have gone one way and dragged a lot of people around me through the mud or I could have taken it as positive as I could be and make a real challenge out of it,” he told rugby.com.au on the setback at the end of last year.
“…It’s frustrating but going through a bit of adversity, it’s a case of what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It’s been a challenge both mentally and physically but I feel like I’ve grown through the challenge and I’m really looking forward to having a good year next year.”
In further changes, Tom Ross and Hugh Sinclair start after a physical game in Fiji.
Lachlan Swinton has also been elevated to the starting side after an excellent stint from the bench.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Mahe Vailanu, Tom Ross, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen
RESERVES: Julian Heaven, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Miles Amatosero, Ned Hanigan, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, Lalakai Foketi
