Berrick Barnes will lead the Waratahs out for the first time in 2012 as they take on Samoa, in the first of two trial matches against the Pacific Islanders.
In a bid to ensure the whole squad benefit from match action ahead of their big Super Rugby opener against current champions the Queensland Reds later this month, in his first match at the helm Head Coach Michael Foley has selected two full XVs for the encounter, with each side contesting two 30-minute quarters.
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With the Waratahs facing current champions and arch rivals the Queensland Reds in the opening round of this year’s Super Rugby competition on 25 February, the Tamworth encounter is an important part of the team’s final preparations and Foley is keen to maximise game time across the squad.
"We’ve chosen this format to try and give most players 60 minutes of rugby to best complement our pre-season training," he said.
"Our mandate is to produce 80 minute players and giving most of the guys 60 minutes of trial match rugby is an important progression towards that goal."
p>Wallaby stand-out Barnes will take charge of the first half, leading a team with five further internationals, plus hotly-tipped Waratahs debutant Sarel Pretorius.
After the half time whistle, Barnes will pass the captain’s armband and No. 10 jersey to experienced Sydney University playmaker, Daniel Halangahu, who will lead a youthful and exciting looking combination including former Australian Sevens player Bernard Foley and highly rated back rower Lopeti Timani.
"Berrick is part of our leadership group and Daniel (Halangahu) is one of our senior professionals. Both are key decision makers for us and suit what we are trying to achieve."
The match will be New South Wales fans’ first opportunity to see new recruit Sarel Pretorius in action for his new side. The highly rated scrumhalf, well known for his tryscoring ability, first caught the Waratahs’ attention at the beginning of last year when assistant coach Scott Bowen spotted his potential in the Cheetahs’ 23-3 Super Rugby victory over the home side.
In a bid to ensure the whole squad benefit from match action ahead of their big Super Rugby opener against current champions the Queensland Reds later this month, in his first match at the helm Head Coach Michael Foley has selected two full XVs for the encounter, with each side contesting two 30-minute quarters.
Super 15 live
Waratahs rugby live
With the Waratahs facing current champions and arch rivals the Queensland Reds in the opening round of this year’s Super Rugby competition on 25 February, the Tamworth encounter is an important part of the team’s final preparations and Foley is keen to maximise game time across the squad.
"We’ve chosen this format to try and give most players 60 minutes of rugby to best complement our pre-season training," he said.
"Our mandate is to produce 80 minute players and giving most of the guys 60 minutes of trial match rugby is an important progression towards that goal."
p>Wallaby stand-out Barnes will take charge of the first half, leading a team with five further internationals, plus hotly-tipped Waratahs debutant Sarel Pretorius.
After the half time whistle, Barnes will pass the captain’s armband and No. 10 jersey to experienced Sydney University playmaker, Daniel Halangahu, who will lead a youthful and exciting looking combination including former Australian Sevens player Bernard Foley and highly rated back rower Lopeti Timani.
"Berrick is part of our leadership group and Daniel (Halangahu) is one of our senior professionals. Both are key decision makers for us and suit what we are trying to achieve."
The match will be New South Wales fans’ first opportunity to see new recruit Sarel Pretorius in action for his new side. The highly rated scrumhalf, well known for his tryscoring ability, first caught the Waratahs’ attention at the beginning of last year when assistant coach Scott Bowen spotted his potential in the Cheetahs’ 23-3 Super Rugby victory over the home side.
