Foley is back in the #15 jersey

Former Australian Sevens captain Bernard Foley will wear the No. 15 jersey when the Waratahs take on the Melbourne Rebels this Friday night at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.

Foley’s promotion from the bench is the only personnel change to the starting lineup that sees Adam Ashley-Cooper moved to wing to accommodate the switch. Wing Brackin Kauarria-Henry is named among the replacements.

“Bernard made an immediate impact when he came on against the Reds on Saturday,” said Foley.  “His form was also evident during our trial matches and he’s been rewarded with a start against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night.

“As a team, we’ve identified the things we did well last weekend and the things that undermined us.  We are cognisant of the short, six day turnaround between matches.   The longer the game went on on Saturday, the better we looked.  Our focus now is improving our discipline at the breakdown and our decision making around our game,” said Foley.

The team to face the Melbourne Rebels in Melbourne on Friday evening will again be led by fly half Daniel Halangahu, with Berrick Barnes given another week to fully overcome a groin injury.  Having suffered a calf strain last week, Pat McCutcheon was also not considered for this match.

“This is another derby match for us,” added the Head Coach.  “We have a lot of respect for the Rebels who have clearly worked hard during their pre-season, as was evident by their trial form.”

Starting XV:
15. Bernard Foley
14. Tom Kingston
13. Rob Horne
12. Tom Carter
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper
10. Daniel Halangahu, Captain
9.    Sarel Pretorius
8.    Wycliff Palu
7.    Chris Alcock
6.    Dave Dennis
5.    Kane Douglas
4.    Dean Mumm
3.    Sekope Kepu
2.    Tatafu Polota-Nau
1.    Benn Robinson (Eastwood), vice captain

Replacements:
16. Damien Fitzpatrick
17. Paddy Ryan
18. Lopeti Timani
19. Jono Jenkins
20. Brendan McKibbin
21. Brackin Karauria-Henry
22. Nathan Trist