Super W: Waratahs ring changes for RugbyWA match

Thu, Mar 12, 2020, 8:27 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Rugby.com.au reporter Sarah Friend previews the fifth round of Super W with Aussie 7s star Shannon Parry. On Sarurday the NSW Waratahs host RugbyWA at Sydney University then on Sunday the Brumbies take on the Reds at GIO Stadium.

The Waratahs women have overhauled their starting side for their final regular round clash against RugbyWA this weekend.

NSW is all but certain to host the Super W final for the third consecutive year, sitting undefeated on top of the table with one week to go.

With their position in mind, coach Campbell Aitken opted to rotate much of his side for Saturday's match against the last-placed WA outfit.

The move, Aitken said, was part of a plan set out at the start of the season.

"It's a fine balance," he said.

"I've been getting lots of advice this week as to should we pick the strongest team or give everyone a go but we've gone with what we wanted to do and that was always our intention from the start.

"We've got a whole squad and this squad deserves to be here and we want to reward people for that."

Bridie O"gorman and Tasmin Sheppard will start in the front row for the clash with backrowers Aaliya Fa'amausili and Piper Duck also coming off the pine to start.

Layne Morgan and Arabella McKenzie make up a new-look halves partnership as Georgie Friedrichs and Kennedy Cherrington come into the starting lineup as well.

RugbyWA is yet to win a game this season, last week going down to the Melbourne Rebels in Perth, but Aitken said NSW would be wary of a side with nothing to lose.

"We always respect the team we're playing against and I think it's a long hard road for teams like WA and it was great to see Melbourne get their first victory last weekend which is great for the competition," he said.

"It is harder for these teams and I've got no doubt given this is thier last game they'll be giving everything they can to upset us and we'll certainly be wary of that."

The Waratahs take on RugbyWA on Saturday March 14 at Sydney University, kicking off at 3:25pm AEDT, LIVE on RUGBY.com.au.

TEAM

Waratahs starting team to face RugbyWA

1. Bridie O'Gorman

2. Tasmin Sheppard

3. Oneata Schwalger 

4. Jemima Henry

5. Noella Green

6. Emily Chancellor

7. Aaliya Fa'amausili

8. Piper Duck

9. Layne Morgan

10. Arabella McKenzie

11. Shanice Parker

12. Georgie Friedrichs

13. Kennedy Cherrington

14. Maya Stewart

15. Chloe Leaupepe

Reserves

16. Eva Karpani

17. Evelyn Horomia

18. Mikaela Trbojevich

19. Jade Huggins

20. Grace Hamilton

21. Atasi Lafai

22. Katrina Barker

23. Iliseva Batibasaga

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