NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has backed Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to start at fullback as the side locks in a star-studded team to face the Highlanders.
Suaalii will debut at the back on Friday at Allianz Stadium, having played his Test Rugby in the centres.
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There are 12 Wallabies in the starting side, including Suaalii, with Darby Lancaster coming off the bench.
Lancaster is one of three ex-Rebels to make their club debut for NSW, with forwards Rob Leota and Taniela Tupou named in the starting pack.
Angus Bell and Dave Porecki will join Tupou in the front-row after spending the majority of the 2024 Super Rugby season on the sidelines.
“I spoke to the players about the fact we've got seven debutants [in the side], a head coach on debut, as well as a number of assistant coaches and staff,” McKellar said in a statement.
“It's an exciting time for the NSW Waratahs, as we embark on a new journey for the organization.”
New recruits Ben Grant and Jamie Adamson will debut via the bench alongside returning prop Tom Lambert, favoured over Wallaby Isaac Kailea.
The backline replacements are all from Easts with Lancaster joined by Teddy Wilson and Jack Bowen, with the trio helping the Beasties take out the Shute Shield title in the off-season.
"It was so competitive. We've got all but three players available for selection," McKellar added.
"A number have been with us the whole time. A number have been with us for three weeks.
“After all the work by the ‘S and C [Strength-Conditioning,] medical groups and other coaches, to have most players available for selection made it difficult.
“That's what you want. You want to have to make the tough decisions and we're confident we've picked a team that's ready to perform well on Friday.”
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster
