Waratahs name squad for clash with Reds

[Burgs]

Waratahs name squad for clash with Reds

February 10, 2010 - 12:33PM

Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell has shaken off injury to be selected for his NSW debut alongside former Reds teammate Berrick Barnes in Saturday night's Super 14 grudge match against Queensland.

Mitchell and lock Will Caldwell have both been battling to overcome strained hamstrings but have been named to start at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Mitchell and five-eighth Barnes are two of six players set to make their Super 14 debuts for the Waratahs, also including New Zealanders Soseni Anesi and Cam Jowitt, to start at fullback and lock respectively.

Favourites for the opening-round clash, NSW boast an all-Wallaby back-row and front-row, as well as five Test backs in their backline where Kurtley Beale will play inside centre.

"There were a number of positions which were up for grabs during the trial period and it was fantastic to see a number of players put their hand up with solid performances," said coach Chris Hickey.

"There is certainly a strong nucleus of players from 2009, and our off-season recruitment to strengthen some areas is evident in the 22-man squad."

Young second-rower Kane Douglas and outside back Rory Sidey have been named on the bench for their first Super 14 appearances.

NSW Waratahs:

1. Benn Robinson,
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau,
3. Al Baxter,
4. Will Caldwell,
5. Cam Jowitt,
6. Dean Mumm,
7. Phil Waugh (capt),
8. Wycliff Palu,

9. Luke Burgess,
10. Berrick Barnes,
11. Drew Mitchell,
12. Kurtley Beale,
13. Tom Carter,
14. Lachie Turner,
15. Sosene Anesi,

16. Damien Fitzpatrick,
17. Sekope Kepu,
18. Kane Douglas,
19. Ben Mowen,
20. Josh Holmes,
21. Daniel Halangahu,
22. Rory Sidey.

AAP

[Burgs]

This doesn't strike me as a selection that can win the Super 14.
No doubting a strong Frontrow and a better than average Backrow but there are several hot and cold players in the Backs and not much of a Bench for Barnes to carry.
An "upset" this week would not surprise me at all.

Looks like the career is nearly over for Freier who will be hanging around waiting for injuries.

[Hoolly Doolly]

lotes cuzzy didnt even make the bench?Hangers on the bench.......wait ur time mate. Barnesey will get injured soon enuff anyway. frier shoulda come west.

[MI5_Dog]

carn the reds

[James]

Note the exception of Hendrik Roodt. Dud.

[BDAVEY]

didnt derserve to win that....... Tahs were disappointing to say the least.