The NSW Waratahs will be missing key forwards Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, and Rob Leota for Saturday’s crucial Super Rugby Pacific showdown against the Fijian Drua.
Despite the significance of building on last week’s shock win over the top-ranked Chiefs and chasing their first away victory of the season, the Wallabies trio have been rested in line with Rugby Australia’s player management policy.
Bell and Leota started in the 21-14 triumph over the Chiefs, while Tupou came off the bench in that match at Allianz Stadium.
In their absence, Isaac Kailea steps in at loosehead prop, and Jamie Adamson moves from openside to blindside flanker to cover for Leota. Charlie Gamble returns from illness to start at openside flanker as the fifth-placed Waratahs aim to record their first win at Churchill Park in Lautoka against the bottom-placed Drua.
Another notable change sees flyhalf Tane Edmed named on the bench in place of Jack Bowen.
“With the Wallabies’ workload management in place, Bell, Leota and Tupou rotate out this week,” said NSW coach Dan McKellar. “They’ve had heavy minutes, which opens the door for Isaac Kailea, Tom Lambert, Leafi Talataina, Dan Botha, and Siosifa Amone. From my perspective, this isn’t a downgrade—it brings energy, enthusiasm and opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made three changes ahead of their Saturday clash with Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe.
Lachlan Lonergan earns another shot at hooker, replacing Billy Pollard, while Rhys Van Nek gets the nod at prop and offers versatility across the front row.
“We’re rotating due to a few knocks from our physical game against the Reds last week,” Larkham said. “We expect another tough encounter with Moana.”
The Brumbies’ backline remains largely intact, with Ollie Sapsford slotting in at outside centre for the injured Wallabies star Len Ikitau.
In Perth, the Western Force welcome back winger Bayley Kuenzle for their vital match against the Hurricanes on Saturday night.
Runner-up in the 2024 Nathan Sharpe Medal, Kuenzle returns after a long layoff with knee injuries sustained during club rugby last July. He made a successful comeback last weekend for Associates, scoring a try, and now replaces the injured Dylan Pietsch on the left wing.
