New recruit Sarel Pretorius will face off against Will Genia as the South African pocket rocket makes his NSW Super Rugby debut this Saturday at ANZ Stadium.
Last year’s leading try scorer, Pretorius joins an all-star backline that also includes fellow newcomer Adam Ashley-Cooper. The pair hope to mark their debuts in the sky blue with a win over defending champions and arch rivals the Queensland Reds in a blockbuster opener to the FxPro Super Rugby season that celebrates 130 years of fierce interstate rivalry.
The NSW run on team features seven Wallabies but there is one notable absence, with star playmaker Berrick Barnes unable to recover from a groin strain that forced him from the field in last week’s trial match. Instead, Daniel Halangahu will step up to the starting XV, assuming the No. 10 jersey and the captaincy, with returning Wallabies prop Benn Robinson named vice captain.
“Our pre-season focus has been on preparing all players for the start of the season and for the role they play within the team,” said Head Coach Michael Foley.
“Berrick and Daniel shared the captaincy and No. 10 duties in both our trial matches and both were well placed to lead us in the first match. We’re confident in Daniel’s abilities as a player and a leader.
“Our focus is on the talent we do have and across the squad we have good depth in all positions.
“I’m looking forward to Adam and Sarel providing the influence that is expected of them on the field.
“Scrum halves touch the ball more than anyone else so Sarel is a key decision maker for us. In our two trial matches he’s looked a constant threat and has proven his communication skills. Adam is a class player who brings experience, versatility and attacking ability to our outside backs,” he added.
The match also sees winger Brackin Karauria-Henry return to Super Rugby action for the first time in over a year, after the 23-year-old New Zealand-born, former Australian Sevens star was sidelined by a back injury. If they take to the field, replacements Jono Jenkins (Sydney University flanker) and Extended Playing Squad winger Nathan Trist will also make their NSW debuts.
“When an opportunity is provided, such as it is on Saturday, I’ve no doubt that the players asked to step up will take their opportunities.
“For Brackin and Tom, to get a start in round one is a fantastic opportunity for both of them. Each have worked hard throughout the pre-season and put in good trial match performances.”
As well as the headline clash between the HSBC Waratahs and Queensland Reds, rugby fans heading to ANZ Stadium this Saturday can expect to feast on a three course meal of action and entertainment, with singing sensation Timomatic performing his latest Double Platinum single ‘Set it off’ at half time and rugby superstar Sebastien Chabal taking to the field with his Balmain team mates as they face off against subbies rivals Petersham in the curtain raiser.
Billed as ‘Rivalry Round,’ the fierce interstate rivalry between the HSBC Waratahs and Queensland Reds is one of Australian sport’s oldest sporting rivalries and dates back 130 years to the birth of the NSW Waratahs. Fans can expect plenty of action as the two states battle it out in the latest encounter. And with the scores at one apiece last season, there’s plenty to play.
HSBC WARATAHS v Queensland Reds
FxPro Super Rugby round 1
Saturday February 25, 2012
Kick off 7.40pm
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Northern Suburbs)
14. Tom Kingston (Sydney University)
13. Rob Horne (Southern Districts)
12. Tom Carter (Sydney University)
11. Brackin Karauria-Henry (Southern Districts)
10. Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University), captain
9. Sarel Pretorius (unattached)
8. Wycliff Palu (Manly)
7. Chris Alcock (Eastwood)
6. Dave Dennis (Sydney University)
5. Dean Mumm (Sydney University)
4. Kane Douglas (Southern Districts)
3. Sekope Kepu (Randwick)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Parramatta)
1. Benn Robinson (Eastwood), vice captain
Replacements
16. Damien Fitzpatrick (Eastwood)
17. Paddy Ryan (Sydney University)
18. Lopeti Timani (Southern Districts)
19. Jono Jenkins (Sydney University)
20. Brendan McKibbin (Eastern Suburbs)
21. Bernard Foley (Sydney University)
22. Nathan Trist (Sydney University)
Coaching Staff
Michael Foley – Head Coach
Alan Gaffney – Senior Assistant Coach
Scott Bowen – Assistant Coach
Greg Mumm – Coaching Coordinator
After the final whistle, HSBC Waratahs fans will again have the opportunity to ‘Get on Tahs Turf’ with spectators allowed on-field to meet the players after this all-important match.
The initiative was rolled out at the first home game of 2011, also against the Reds at ANZ Stadium, when thousands of spectators took advantage of the chance to interact with the HSBC Waratahs who remain on field after the game.
Tickets for the round one blockbuster between the HSBC Waratahs and Reds at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, February 25 (7.40pm) include the 6pm curtain raiser between Balmain and Petersham and are on public sale from www.ticketek.com.au or by calling 132 849, priced from $20 for adults and $50 for a family of four.
All tickets include entry and travel on public transport - to and from the game - on CityRail, Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses, regular Sydney Buses and Sydney Ferries.
And with a large crowd predicted, fans are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the additional public transport services available. Casual parking will be available at Sydney Olympic Park, if you haven’t pre-booked a parking space, allow plenty of time to secure a park and get to your seat before kick-off. To pre-book, visit www.ticketek.com.au or call 132 849. For more information on parking, please visit http://www.secureparking.com.au/sop.aspx
The first 10,000 fans will also be able to pick up a brand new HSBC Waratahs Flash Flag, courtesy of HSBC, and the chance to win $5,000 cash. The new flags replace the Flash For Cash banners and will help build stadium atmosphere and support for the home side by bringing a sea of colour to the stands.
Full information, including what’s on, tickets, public transport, parking and traffic is available from the stadium website at http://www.anzstadium.com.au/Events/EventCalendar/EventDetails.aspx?EventContentId=1f4941f3-a38f-4a69-960d-d5e0e95d35ff
An HSBC Waratahs membership is your ticket to a number of exciting benefits including the chance to win a Volvo C70 Convertible, valued at over $77,000. One lucky member will be driving away from the match against the Sharks on March 25 in a brand new car. Membership packages start from just $38 for a 2 Game Associate adult package, for your chance to win sign up online at www.waratahs.com.au/win by March 21, 2012 or call membership services on 1300 733 899.