Jamie Roberts & Will Harrison to start for Tahs against Chiefs

April 20, 2022
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Ultimate Rugby

An interesting dynamic is contained in this weekend’s clash between the Waratahs and Chiefs at AAMI Park as Welsh stalwart Jamie Roberts is set to start against a team coached by his old mentor, Warren Gatland.

Gatland was at the helm of Wales throughout Roberts’ 94 caps and will now be opponents for the first time in their respective careers in the somewhat unlikely setting of Super Rugby Pacific.

Roberts and fullback Will Harrison are the only two new faces in the Tahs’ starting XV since their dominant, 41-24 victory over the Force in Perth in the previous round.

35 year-old Roberts comes into the midfield to replace Lalakai Foketi who will miss the match to attend a funeral.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose Lalakai, but it’s really important he attends his grandfather’s funeral. Family is very important to us here at the Waratahs and our thoughts are with Lalakai and his family,” Coleman said.

“Jamie Roberts has been given the opportunity to start and we’re excited for him. Jamie brings a wealth of big match experience to the side and was outstanding in his last start against the Reds where he was one of our best players on the field.

“Will Harrison at fullback adds another dimension to our attack and his left-foot kicking game is another bonus for the side.”

Some good news on the injury front is that Ben Donaldson returns to the squad after recovering from his calf strain.

“We’re delighted to have Donno back, he’s been chomping at the bit, and we’re glad we played the long game and didn’t try to rush him back,” Coleman said.

“He’s now one hundred per cent and ready to go, and we’re hoping his presence will push both himself and Tane to a higher level and it will be interesting to see how that selection battle plays out over the next few weeks.”

WARATAHS SQUAD

1 Angus Bell (Sydney Uni/ Hunters Hill/ Newington College)

2 David Porecki (Manly/ Manly Roos/ Redlands)

3 Harry Johnson-Holmes (Sydney Uni/ Cowra Eagles/ Merewether High School)

4 Jed Holloway (Southern Districts/ Yamba Buccaneers/ Waverley College)

5 Hugh Sinclair (Northern Suburbs/ Lindfield/ S.H.O.R.E)

6 Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs/ Saracens/ St Bede’s College)

7 Michael Hooper (Manly/ Manly Roos/ St Pius College)

8 Will Harris (Eastern Suburbs/ Hunters Hill/ Scots College)

9 Jake Gordon (C) (Sydney Uni/ Canterbury/ Blackwattle Bay)

10 Tane Edmed (Eastwood/ Trinity Grammar)

11 Alex Newsome (Eastern Suburbs/ Glen Innes Elks/ St Joseph’s College)