Waratahs remain unchanged for encounter against Brumbies

Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has retained the same line-up for the upcoming Super Rugby encounter against Brumbies to be played at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Gibson felt the players deserve to hold their positions after a dominating display against Sunwolves in the previous week where they trounced Sunwolves 77-25 to reach the play-off of the competition.

“Part of our strategy is to try and keep combinations together, and it’s up to those players to really earn it through their performances. As a coaching team we feel that they are doing that and deserve their spots.”

Gibson is expecting a tough game on Saturday with Brumbies desperate for a bonus-point victory in order to have any chance of making to the top eight.

“For both sides there’s real incentive there on the outcome of the game. The Brumbies need a bonus point win to have a chance to quality and for us the real carrot of knowing if you progress in this tournament of giving yourself the opportunity through having a home semi-final potentially.”

Waratahs hold the top position in Australian Conference with 44 points from 15 games.

Waratahs line-up: Israel Folau, Cam Clark, Curtis Rona, Kurtley Beale, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Bernard Foley (c), 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, Alex Newsome, Bryce Hegarty