Andrew Kellaway out for Waratahs
Some late team news, Andrew Kellaway is out, with the Wallabies utility back switching out with Darby Lancaster who gets another chance on the wing after a difficult night in defence for the Waratahs.
There’s a direct showdown between former Waratahs’ playmaker Ben Donaldson and the current man in possession of the jersey, Tane Edmed.
Taniela Tupou gets his first start after coming off the bench for the last five games for the Waratahs, expect the tighthead to make Fatongia Paea’s night as difficult as possible in the set piece.
The Force can’t qualify for the finals in Super Rugby, but they have the first game against the British and Irish Lions and many of their team including breakaway Carlos Tizzano and winger Harry Potter will be desperate to book their place in Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s extended Test squad.
Taniela Tupou is back starting for the WaratahsCredit: Getty Images
And the Force’s team tonight
How the Waratahs are lining up
Can the Tahs make finals?
It’s all on the line tonight
Good evening rugby fans. It’s Jonathan Drennan, and I will be guiding you through tonight’s action in Perth.
There is rarely a dull day on the Waratahs’ beat and here we are on the penultimate game of the season against the Force.
Last season, the Waratahs would be well in with a chance of playing finals, but this year, with the number of slots down from eight to six, they must win in Perth.
If they win against the Force, they then must win against the Blues in Auckland and also hope that Moana Pasifika lose against the Hurricanes.
None of this is impossible, but it’s going to be a hell of a job for a team that hasn’t won on the road this year.
There were some strong words from coach Dan McKellar and captain Jake Gordon after last week’s defeat against the Crusaders and a tough review at training. Will it be enough to inspire this Waratahs team? We will soon find out.
Coach Dan McKellar faces two tough away games against the Force and the BluesCredit: Getty Images
