NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has made it clear he wants to unlock Max Jorgensen further in their quest to quiet the party at One NZ Stadium on Friday.
Jorgensen shifts to fullback for Friday's opening game at the brand-new stadium against the Crusaders, shifting with Sid Harvey.
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The Wallabies star spent the last two games of the Test season at the back, while was often used there by former Waratahs coach Darren Coleman in 2023 and 2024.
McKellar had used Sid Harvey there in previous weeks, but had a clear view of Jorgensen as they prepared for the defending champions.
“I think long-term, Max is a fullback and I want to get the ball in his hands, that’s the reality,” McKellar said. “I talk to Max all the time about going and chase 15 touches. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, but giving him that opportunity at 15, a position he’s played a lot of, he’s excited about.
“I think you get the same out of Sid on the left wing with his left foot, and we can use him, no doubt, with his kicking game. It’s giving ‘Jorgo’ that chance to get him in the game more.
“...It's just that extra pass. If Max is on my outside, I just want to give him the ball so we've got to have that mindset. Obviously at 15, he'll get more opportunity through counter-attack. He's got to be smart and make good decisions and make sure that we're not overplaying but I know he’ll be all over that.”
It comes as the Crusaders sprung their own surprise with the selection of Leicester Fainga'anuku at openside flanker.
Fainga'anuku has been primarily used as a centre since his return, although he filled in at back-rower during his stint at Toulon.
“Leicester’s been keen to explore that opportunity,” coach Rob Penney says.
“This stadium felt like the right place to do it. He loves big environments, loves pressure moments, and we feel he’ll add real value against this opposition.”
McKellar knows the energy will be ramped up as the contest opens Super Round, a fitting first game for the new stadium that has been 15 years in the making.
“They've had a tough tour in Australia. I think it'll be a different beast on Friday night over there in front of 30,000 of their fans. It’s a challenge that we’re really excited about,” McKellar added.
“Players know that it’s certainly going to be played at a high intensity, and it’ll be as close to a Test match as we’ll get to play in at Super Rugby level. Sold out stadium, plenty of good players throughout both teams; what an occasion to be involved in.”
WARATAHS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Folau Fainga'a, Siosifa Amone, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Joey Walton, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Tom Lambert, Dan Botha, Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly
