Nick Phipps and Will Skelton have both been ruled out of the Waratahs’ clash with the Lions.
Phipps (ankle) and Skelton (hamstring) were injured in training ovenight, just a day out of the clash.
Phipps will be replaced by Matt Lucas in the starting side, while Senio Toleafoa will have his first Waratahs start, coming in for Skelton.
Jake Gordon is in line for his Waratahs debut, coming on to the bench for Lucas and last year’ Queensland U20s captain, loose forward Maclean Jones, rounds out the 23.
Skelton was one of the Waratahs’ best in their opening clash against the Force and his physicality would have been crucial against the Lions.
The news is a fresh blow for the Waratahs, with flyhalf Bernard Foley already set to miss the match with concussion.
The Waratahs take on the Lions at 12:05am AEDT, LIVE on FOXSPORTS.
TEAM
Waratahs to play the Lions
1 Tom Robertson
2 Tolu Latu
3 Sekope Kepu
4 Dean Mumm
5. Senio Toleafoa
6. Jack Dempsey
7. Michael Hooper (C)
8. Michael Wells
9. Matt Lucas
10. Bryce Hegarty
11. Rob Horne
12. Irae Simone
13. Israel Folau
14. Reece Robinson
15. Andrew Kellaway
Reserves:
16. Hugh Roach
17. Paddy Ryan
18. David Lolohea
19. David McDuling
20. Maclean Jones
21.Jake Gordon
22.David Horwitz
23. Taqele Naiyaravoro
