Emerging flyhalf Ben Donaldson will have first crack at the No.10 jersey for the NSW Waratahs this season.
The 22-year-old has been named in the halves with captain Jake Gordon for the Waratahs' trip to Roma to take on the Queensland Reds on Saturday in their final trial game before the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Donaldson beat out Tane Edmed and the injured Will Harrison in what is a near full-strength line-up for the Waratahs.
Vice-captain Alex Newsome, who himself has been named at full-back for the trial contest, said Donaldson had the right manner for the vital role.
"Benny is just such a good, calm, level-headed guy, it's good to have that in that playmaking seat there at No.10," he said.
"He's got great skills, his passing and kicking are really good which is essential for a good flyhalf. We used to call him 'Bernie Larkham' when he first came on the scene, I reckon he's just got that calmness at 10.
"His speed is underestimated, he's got that graceful running style and can slide through a gap, as you saw against the Brumbies a couple of weeks ago."
Newsome, who's named alongside red-hot James Turner and Dylan Pietsch in the back three, said competition for spots was serving the side well.
"For me, it's a position that I've played a bit of coming through the pathway and played a Super game there as well. It's a great position, you've got a bit of a licence to roam and attack," he said.
"Right across the squad there's been additions in every position that have just added to the depth. (Coach) Darren Coleman has got quite a direct style and he'll challenge individuals on their performance every day at training."
The Waratahs are building confidence after two positive trial results, defeating the Brumbies in Bowral before comfortable wins over a trio of Shute Shield sides.
Whilst the side were pleased with their performances, Saturday's trial is a stark reminder of what little it will matter come Super Rugby Pacific.
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The club would go on to win the corresponding fixture in Narrabri last year, which ended up being their lone victory of the season.
“We’re just looking to develop combinations and launch into round one. We think the start of the season is going to very important for us, we obviously have the Fiji Drua on Friday night at home,” he added.
“Heading up to Roma is going to be an important part of our preparation but in saying that, we won the trial (against the Reds) in Narrabri last year and then didn’t win another game for the rest of the year, so everything in perspective of course."
