Waratahs coach Dan McKellar is backing his depth after both sides made significant changes for Saturday’s clash with the Western Force.
New recruit Lawson Creighton will make his club debut, slotting straight into the starting side.
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It pushes 2024 Wallabies debutant Tane Edmed to the bench, with the ex-Red impressing McKellar in the Waratahs’ ‘A’ side win over the Brumbies.
“Lawson has worked really hard in rehab after arriving with a groin injury,” McKellar said in a statement.
“He got back to full fitness, played well in the ‘A’ game against the Brumbies Runners [two weeks ago], and has trained really well the last couple of weeks.
“We feel he’s ready to start, and it’s a great opportunity for him.”
It’s one of two changes to the backline, with Joey Walton back in place of Lalakai Foketi (groin).
Former Hurricanes lock Ben Grant starts for the first time in 2025, with Miles Amatosero on the bench, as McKellar looks to combat the return of Jeremy Williams to the Force.
“Ben Grant has been really good off the bench in the last couple of games and has had a strong pre-season,” McKellar said.
“He's a good lineout operator, and given the Force’s defensive strengths in that area, we felt he deserved an opportunity to start.”
Lock Felix Kalapu and backrower Leafi Talataina will make their Waratah debuts via the bench, with Jack Grant and Tom Lambert also added to the reserves.
“Leafi is an incredibly hard worker, coming back from an ACL reconstruction, and has been one of our best throughout the pre-season,” McKellar said.
“Felix has also impressed in trial games and brings a strong, physical presence. Both have earned their spots and deserve their opportunity.”
For the Force, Williams re-takes the captaincy after missing last week’s defeat with a HIA.
Wallabies teammate Brandon Paenga-Amosa comes into the starting side after strong showings from the bench.
Will Harris also gets the chance to shine against his old side whilst Sio Tomkinson has shrugged off a head knock to be fit in the centres.
Fiji-born lock Josh Thompson is set for his debut off the bench, with Vaiolini Ekuasi unavailable for the trip due to the imminent birth of his child.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair, Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Lawson Creighton, Darby Lancaster, Joey Walton, Henry O'Donnell, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon, Josh Smith, Josh Thompson, Reed Prinsep, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Reesjan Pasitoa
