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Tim Davidson to Lead HSBC Waratahs in Opening Trial
Thursday, 18 January 2007
NSWRU Media Unit
Sydney Uni skipper Tim Davidson will captain the HSBC Waratahs in Saturday’s opening trial match against the ACT Brumbies in Wollongong.
The Waratahs have named a 27-man squad including Wallabies Matt Dunning and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau in the front row with Aaron Broughton-Rouse at tighthead.
“I’m really eager for some game time,” said Polota-Nau.
“The training’s been intense for several months now since coming back from injury but there is nothing like game time.”
Head coach Ewen McKenzie said the pre-season effort has been the best since he took over the reins at NSW.
“Physically the players are in good shape but this will be our first opportunity to see how our football and match fitness is progressing under pressure,” said McKenzie.
“Our guys are busting out of their skin to have a run and that’s a great attitude to take in.”
Davidson said it was an unexpected but great thrill to be named captain.
“The fact that this is a trial takes nothing away from the honour,” said Davidson.
“We’ve got plenty of leaders in the group so I’ll have a lot of support out there.”
HSBC Waratahs to play ACT Brumbies at WIN Stadium, Wollongong
7pm, Saturday, 20 January 2007
- Matt Dunning
- Tatafu Polota-Nau
- Aaron Broughton-Rouse
- Ben Hand
- Dean Mumm
- Dave Dennis
- Beau Robinson
- Tim Davidson [c]
- Josh Holmes
- Daniel Halangahu
- Chris Siale
- Sam Harris
- Ben Jacobs
- Lachlan Turner
- Sam Norton-Knight
- Al Manning
- Al Baxter
- Will Caldwell
- Josh Valentine
- Brett Sheehan
- Kurtley Beale
- Peter Hewat
- Jeremy Tilse
- Alex Kanaar
- Tom Carter
- Morgan Turinui
- Alfi Mafi
from Fox Sport article by:
By Adrian Warren
January 18, 2007
Daniel Halangahu who started several Super 14 games last year, was chosen as the starting five-eighth ahead of (Kurtley) Beale for Saturday's game.
With just two trials, (Coach Ewen) McKenzie opted to start several of his other youngsters against the Brumbies while leaving more established players on the bench.
An exception was in the front row where two Wallabies, prop Matt Dunning and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau were chosen to start.
Among the players named on the NSW bench were Australia halfbacks Josh Valentine and Brett Sheehan, with youngster Josh Holmes awarded the starting number nine jersey.
Also listed among the replacements were three other Wallabies, prop Al Baxter, lock Alex Kanaar and centre Morgan Turinui.
No.8 Tim Davidson, who captained Sydney University to the last two NSW club premierships, was chosen to lead the team just a few months after returning from the Western Force.
AAP