Waratahs Make Eight Changes For Fijian Drua Vs Waratahs
The NSW Waratahs have made eight changes for fijian drua vs waratahs in Suva, reshaping their starting side for Saturday’s Round 14 Super Rugby Pacific match at HFC Bank Stadium. Jack Bowen is in for his first start of the season, while the visitors are still chasing a first win in Fiji after two losses there.
Jack Bowen Gets His Chance
Bowen starts at fly-half after playing just 44 minutes this season, giving the Waratahs a new first-choice option at 10 for a match that sits inside their finals push. Teddy Wilson also comes in at scrum-half, with Dan McKellar making a halfback change and backing a different look to guide the side through Suva.
The rest of the reshuffle is spread across the pack and backline. Jack Barrett starts at loosehead prop, Ioane Moananu is at hooker, Matt Philip returns at lock and captain, Clem Halaholo comes in at blindside flanker, Triston Reilly starts on the wing and Harry Potter keeps his place on the other edge.
McKellar's Suva Selection
McKellar said the group was ready for the trip and pointed to the challenge in front of them. “We’re excited to go over to Fiji and to take on the Drua. They’re a dangerous team that play a unique brand of rugby,” he said. “We need to start well. That is the learning from the Highlanders game. We feel we have a clear plan that allows us to do that.”
There is also a selection edge to the move. Oniti Finau, 22, was named on the bench and would make his Super Rugby Pacific debut if he plays, while Michael McDonald and Ben Grant were set for their first appearances of the season if they take the field. McDonald has not played for the Waratahs since 18 July 2020, leaving 2,129 days between appearances by this weekend.
Waratahs' Fiji Record
The pressure point is simple: the Waratahs have not beaten the Fijian Drua in Fiji. They lost 28-14 there last year and 39-36 in 2024, while their Round 2 win came at Allianz Stadium, where they won 36-13.
That record makes Saturday’s 2.35pm AEST kick-off more than a routine selection call. Philip’s return to lead the side, Halaholo’s first start since Round 8 and Bowen’s promotion give the Waratahs a different look, but the result in Suva still has to break a run that has followed them for two seasons.
