Waratahs make one change for play-off clash against Highlanders

Waratahs have made one change to the starting XV for the upcoming play-off game against Highlanders to be played at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Head coach Daryl Gibson has named Alex Newsome at right wing in the place of Cam Clark, who now joins the replacements.

Gibson had praise for Newsome and is looking forward to his performance on Saturday. The Waratahs coach is also wary of the challenge Highlanders possess as they look to make it to the top four.

"Alex has been impressive the last few games in terms of impact off the bench. He really deserves a start, he has earned that. Every time he has touched the ball he has really added, he’s exciting.

"He has some excellent wingers he is going to be up against but we know he can do the job there.

“The Highlanders are a very clever team, trying different stuff and exciting to watch. A lot of our preparation has been about how to prevent that.

"We have an excellent attack and for us we need to ensure that our defence is solid and making sure that we don’t concede tries as well".

Waratahs line-up:

Israel Folau, Alex Newsome, Curtis Rona, Kurtley Beale, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Bernard Foley (captain), Nick Phipps, Michael Wells, Will Miller, Ned Hanigan, Rob Simmons, Jed Holloway, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Tom Robertson

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Tom Staniforth, Brad Wilkin, Jake Gordon, Cam Clark, Bryce Hegarty

Highlanders line-up:

Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Liam Squire, Jackson Hemopo, Tom Franklin, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown

Replacements: Ash Dixon, Ask Seiuli, Kalolo Tuiloma, Shannon Frizell, Elliot Dixon, Kayne Hammington, Josh Ioane, Matt Faddes