Wallabies winger Darby Lancaster will make his debut in the sky blue jersey in the NSW Waratahs’ opening trial of 2025 against a NSW Pasifica side.
Saturday’s trial at Eric Tweedale Oval will see coach Dan McKellar showcase the future of the club, with his Wallabies contingency likely to be utilised in next week’s Brumbies trial.
Catch the NSW Waratahs take on NSW Pacifica live and free on NSW Rugby TV
Lancaster is fresh off featuring for Australia A against England A after making his Test debut in the July series in a win over Georgia.
The 21-year-old returns to the Waratahs after a breakout year at the Melbourne Rebels in 2023. This was his first full-time season at the Super Rugby level after making his name in the Sevens program.
His fellow former Junior Wallabies teammates Jack Bowen and Teddy Wilson line up in the halves, with Western Force recruit Henry O’Donnell in the centres alongside Joey Walton.
Randwick young gun James Hendren gets his chance at fullback, with Triston Reilly providing speed on the wing.
Veteran Hugh Sinclair provides leadership in the pack at number eight, taking the captaincy for the trial.
Tom Lambert and Dan Botha returns from injury in the front-row, joined by Julian Heaven whilst new recruits Felix Kalapu, Ben Grant, Leafi Talataina and Jamie Adamson round out the forwards.
Charlie Gamble is the big name on the extended bench whilst former Force prop Siosifa Amone and Rebels hooker Ethan Dobbins provide quality to finish the game
They are joined by young guns Clem Halaholo, Joey Fowler, Jackson Ropata and Archie Saunders.
Meahwhile, former Fijian International and 7s star Mesu Kunavula will make his first appearance for the club after his 2024 season ended suddenly due to an ACL injury.
The Pacifica side includes a host of players from different cultures, including former Waratahs prop Lewis Ponini and lock Sione Misiloi
Former Fiji Rugby League international Sitiveni Moceidreke will line up in the backs along with ex-Waikato winger Cody Nordstrom.
NSW WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Julian Heaven, Daniel Botha, Felix Kalapu, Ben Grant, Leafi Talataina, Jamie Adamson, Hugh Sincliar, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Triston Reilly, James Hendren
REPLACEMENTS: Ethan Dobbins, Adrian Brown, Siosifa Amone, Ale Ahon, Clem Halaholo, Jack Grant, Joey Fowler, Archie Saunders, Brad Amituanai, Mesu Kunavula, Jackson Ropata, Charlie Gamble
