Waratahs rest Wallabies trio for Fijian danger match as Edmed returns on bench

NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar is confident the squad's depth can deliver victory over the Fijian Drua, as several Wallabies will stay in Sydney for Saturday's match in Lautoka.

Forwards Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota will all miss the trip as part of the national rotation policy for the Wallabies.

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It paves the way for eight-Test prop Isaac Kailea to start, with opening round hero Siosifa Amone and Australia A prop Tom Lambert coming onto the bench.

Number eight Langi Gleeson will also come on the bench, with Leafi Talatania named to start.

“With the management of Wallaby players of national interest, Bell, Leota and Tupou rotate out this week,” McKellar explained on Wednesday.

“Bell and Leota have had heavy workloads, but that provides more opportunity for Isaac Kailea, Tom Lambert, Leafi Talataina, Dan Botha and Siosifa Amone.

“From my end, this doesn’t weaken our team at all. It provides opportunity, excitement and real enthusiasm ... and I know those boys will provide it.”

Wallabies 2024 debutant Tane Edmed is also back in the squad, named on the bench.

Edmed impressed during his return to Shute Shield with Eastwood and replaces Jack Bowen.

In further changes, Jamie Adamson shifts to blindside flanker after his impressive debut start, with Charlie Gamble back in the side.

“This is an important game for us leading into the bye week, and freshening up the group with selection was part of that," McKellar added.

“We are also going to a great rugby nation, an environment where they will respect and support the Drua.

"But one thing we all love about the Fijians is that they respect good rugby and good rugby in teams [they play against]. We are excited about showing that.”

WARATAHS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Charlie Gamble, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

Replacements: Julian Heaven, Tom Lambert, Siosfia Amone, Miles Amatosero, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Henry O'Donnell