The Waratahs has opted to keep Will Harrison at fullback ahead of their clash with the Crusaders at WIN Stadium on Saturday.
Harrison, who was shifted into the role as a last-minute replacement for Izaia Perese, impressed at the back as NSW went down 48-21 to the Blues last week.
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With Ben Donaldson continuing to impress at flyhalf, co-coach Jason Gilmore believes the move helps reinforce their defence whilst giving them another playmaking option as they look to break their winless streak.
“Harrison stiffened up our backfield last week with his defensive game. He’s a really competitive player and brings a lot to our attack with his ball carrying and his kicking game,” Gilmore said.
“Whilst he’s playing out of position a little bit, it gives us the chance to put our best players out on the field in the backline."
Gilmore and fellow co-coach Chris Whitaker have selected a monster back-row, with Jack Dempsey starting at openside flanker in his 50th Super Rugby game following a calf injury to Charlie Gamble.
Along with this, they have been forced to select a brand-new lock combination after injuries to Hugh Sinclair (shoulder) and Max Douglas (arm), allowing Jack Whetton and Jeremy Williams to start.
In a boost for the home side, Perese has overcome the groin complaint that kept him out of last week's game, partnering Lalakai Foketi in the midfield.
Whilst many expect the Crusaders to have no troubles with the winless Waratahs, coach Scott Robertson has selected a near-full strength side for the match in Wollongong.
This is headlined by the return of Scott Barrett, who reassumes the captaincy following his absence due to illness.
Loose forward Ethan Blackadder and reserve hooker Brodie McAlister have returned to NZ after suffering head knocks during their monster win over the Reds.
This provides the chance for Sione Havili Talitui to return to the starting side, whilst Nathan Vella is in line for his Super Rugby debut after being added to the squad at the start of the year as an injury replacement for Andrew Makalio.
Vice-captain David Havili has been rested for the game, allowing Dallas McLeod to start alongside Braydon Ennor in the centres.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jeremy Williams, Jack Whetton, Lachie Swinton, Jack Dempsey, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Alex Newsome, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Jack Maddocks, Will Harrison
Reserves: Joe Cotton, Te Tera Faulkner, Darcy Breen, Sam Caird, Carlo Tizzano, Jack Grant, Tepai Moeroa, Mark Nawaqanitawase
INs: Sam Caird, Jeremy Williams, Tepai Moeroa, Izaia Perese
OUTs: Max Douglas, Hugh Sinclair, James Turner, Charlie Gamble
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Michael Alaalatoa, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett (c), Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sione Havili Talitui, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo'unga, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Reserves: Nathan Vella, Tamaiti Williams, Oliver Jager, Samuel Whitelock, Mitchell Dunshea, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Manasa Mataele
INs: Scott Barrett, Fergus Burke, Nathan Vella,
OUTs: Ethan Blackadder, David Havili, Brodie McAlister,
