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Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase returns for Waratahs clash with Chiefs

By Finn Morton
Mark Nawaqanitawase of the Waratahs looks on during the round 15 Super Rugby Pacific match between NSW Waratahs and Moana Pasifika at Allianz Stadium on June 03, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

After being dropped ahead of the Waratahs' win over the Crusaders, Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase will line up on the right wing when the team hosts the Chiefs on Friday.

Nawaqanitawase, who has signed a deal with NRL club the Sydney Roosters from next year, will start on the right wing while Triston Reilly has retained a spot in the run-on side.

With Izaia Perese dropping to the bench, Joey Walton has shifted into the midfield.

The Waratahs have otherwise named a relatively familiar side, with the inclusion of Hugh Sinclair and Miles Amatosero the changes to the forward pack.

Hooker Jay Fonokalafi is also set to return off the bench with Theo Fourie sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a foot injury.

Both the Waratahs and Chiefs come into this match feeling refreshed after a bye week. The Chiefs lost their last match to the Hurricanes and will be eager to bounce back away from home.

This Trans-Tasman derby at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium will get underway at 7:35 pm AEST on Friday night.

NSW Waratahs team to take on Chiefs

  1. Hayden Thompson-Stringer
  2. Julian Heaven
  3. Harry Johnson-Holmes
  4. Hugh Sinclair
  5. Miles Amatosero
  6. Lachlan Swinton
  7. Charlie Gamble
  8. Ned Hanigan
  9. Jake Gordon (c)
  10. Tane Edmed
  11. Triston Reilly
  12. Lalakai Foketi
  13. Joey Walton
  14. Mark Nawaqanitawase
  15. Max Jorgensen

Replacements:

  1. Jay Fonokalafi
  2. Lewis Ponini
  3. Tom Ross
  4. Jed Holloway
  5. Langi Gleeson
  6. Jack Grant
  7. Will Harrison
  8. Izaia Perese

Unavailable: David Porecki, Thomas Lambert, Archer Holz, Mesu Kunavula, Ned Slack-Smith, Daniel Botha, Mahe Vailanu, Angus Bell, Theo Fourie

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