NSW Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble is confident they have put their disappointing Blues defeat behind them as they prepare for a must-win match with the Highlanders.
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has recalled a host of stars for Friday's clash at Allianz Stadium, headlined by Michael Hooper.
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Hooper, Lalakai Foketi and Mark Nawaqanitawase missed the trip to Auckland due to Wallabies resting policy whilst Dave Porecki (concussion), Langi Gleeson (calf) and Hugh Sinclair return from injury.
“The boys still have full confidence,” Gamble reassured.
“Obviously, we treat Allianz as a bit of a fortress so whenever a team steps in there, it’s tough work and we’re getting good results out of it.
“Last week was a good opportunity for the wider Super Rugby squad to have a crack at Super Rugby but it’s good to get back some of the older boys back in so we can go full steam at the Highlanders.
“We’ve had a good turnouts so far this year (at Allianz Stadium) so we need to start getting results our way and it’s only going to get better from there."
The Highlanders have also recalled their stars, with the fixture likely to have major finals ramifications.
Aaron Smith returns to the side after missing the defeat to the Force due to family reasons as Folau Fakatava and Jona Nareki come onto the bench.
The visitors sit in seventh, just one point ahead of the 10th-place Waratahs, who sit outside of the top eight on account of having less wins than the Force and Drua.
Clarke Dermody's men will be desperate for victory, with matches against the top two teams Chiefs and Brumbies following this game.
“Like any New Zealand, they’ll be disappointed (with the loss). I saw they got a couple of yellow cards so some things didn’t go their way so they will come in full steam," Gamble added.
“It’s just like us, we’re coming off a disappointing loss to the Blues so it’s going to be a pretty good contest.”
WARATAHS (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Taleni Seu, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen
RESERVES: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Daniel Botha, Charlie Gamble, Will Harris, Harrison Goddard, Joey Walton, Mosese Tuipulotu
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Fabian Holland, Will Tucker, Shannon Frizell, Sean Withy, Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith (c), Mitch Hunt, Scott Gregory, Sam Gilbert, Fetuli Paea, Jonah Lowe, Connor Garden-Bachop
RESERVES: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Pari Pari Parkinson, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Folau Fakatava, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jona Nareki
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Matt Kellahan
