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Waugh returns at last, Holmes dropped
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
NSW Waratahs captain Phil Waugh will return for his first Super 14 match since round three in Saturday's clash with the Hurricanes in Wellington but young halfback star Josh Holmes has been dropped.
Inspirational Wallabies openside flanker Waugh passed a fitness test on his injured ankle today and will start the second-last placed Waratahs' last match of the competition.
It's sure to be an emotional occasion with former All Blacks and Hurricanes captain Tana Umaga playing the last match of his career before his adoring home fans.
"To say I'm keen to play is an understatement," said Waugh.
"It's been extremely frustrating sitting on the sidelines and hopefully I can make a worthy contribution to what is going to be a huge game given that its Tana Umaga's farewell appearance."
"He's a player respected by his teammates and opposition alike and I'm glad to be part of it."
Promising No.9 Holmes, who is heading to the Brumbies next season, has been a standout for NSW in the last two weeks.
But he has missed out with Josh Valentine returning to the starting lineup and Brett Sheehan named on the bench after both recovered from injury.
The Waratahs fly to Wellington on Friday morning.
NSW:
- Benn Robinson,
- Adam Freier,
- Al Baxter,
- Dean Mumm,
- Will Caldwell,
- Rocky Elsom,
- Phil Waugh (c),
- Wycliff Palu,
- Josh Valentine,
- Sam Norton-Night,
- Lote Tuqiri,
- Sam Harris,
- Ben Jacobs,
- Lachlan Turner,
- Peter Hewat,
- Tatafu Polota-Nau,
- Matt Dunning,
- David Lyons,
- Tim Davidson,
- Brett Sheehan,
- Daniel Halangahu,
- Chris Siale.
AAP