NSW Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has left out Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase from his squad for Friday's must-win match against the Crusaders.
The Wallabies winger has dropped out of the squad after starting the first seven games, yet to score a try in 2024.
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Randwick winger Triston Reilly comes back into the side, having scored on his Waratahs return during their round two win over the defending champions.
“Triston deserves his chance. We all saw what he did against the Crusaders last time. He missed out for a couple of weeks there, but he took it in the right way," coach Coleman said in a statement.
"He went back and worked hard on his game, stayed positive and played really well for Randwick on the weekend in the Shute Shield.
"His effort areas like kick-chase and defence are really strong and I’m looking forward to what he can provide us this weekend.
“It’s been a big headache in our backline but a good headache to have. This week we have all of our contracted backs available which is unheard of. As a result, we’ve got some good players missing out.”
Langi Gleeson (concussion) and Ned Hanigan (knee) are huge boosts for the Waratahs after overcoming injuries.
Gleeson starts at number eight whilst Hanigan slots into the second row alongside Jed Holloway.
“It’s great to have Ned back,” Coleman believes. “He was one of our better performers prior to his knee issue.
“You just get wholehearted energy from Ned. He’s such a good all-rounder. He’s got a good carry, good in the ruck, and sharp in the lineout. He really cares about the team, so we’re excited to have Ned back.
"Langi is also another welcome addition to the side this week and has proven how valuable he can be in Super Rugby and at international level."
Izaia Perese comes back into the starting side, swapping with Joey Walton whilst Easts' Lewis Ponini will debut off the bench after Angus Bell's season-ending injury.
“It’s a good opportunity for Lewis. As they say when one door shuts another one opens. I think you’ll see a really enthusiastic performance out of him against the Crusaders," Coleman added.
“He has actually spent some time in his life in Christchurch, so he is quite familiar with a few of the boys he’ll be playing against.
“The injuries to our props are really starting to hit the squad. Up front, we’re struggling. There’s no doubt we’re lacking a bit of depth there at the moment. We’ve lost four of our seven contracted props for the season and that’s unheard of, along with our top two hookers in David Porecki and Mahe Vailanu. We’ve got our work cut out to reconfigure a few things and guys like Harry Johnson-Holmes and Hayden Thompson-Stringer are crucial to us at the moment.”
WARATAHS (1-15): Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Triston Reilly, Max Jorgensen
RESERVES: Theo Fourie, Lewis Ponini, Tom Ross, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, Joey Walton
