Waratahs recall Baxter for Maori Clash
Wallaby prop Al Baxter will return on Friday night when the NSW Waratahs take on the New Zealand Maori
at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie agreed to a request from Wallaby coach John Connolly to give Baxter game
time at loosehead.
| NSW Waratahs Team |
| 1. | Matt Dunning |
| 2. | Al Manning |
| 3. | Aaron Broughton-Rouse |
| 4. | Will Caldwell |
| 5. | Ben Hand |
| 6. | Dean Mumm |
| 7. | James Campbell |
| 8. | David Lyons (c) |
| 9. | Brett Sheehan |
| 10. | Daniel Halangahu |
| 11. | Chris Siale |
| 12. | Morgan Turinui (vc) |
| 13. | Ben Jacobs |
| 14. | Tim Wright |
| 15. | Peter Hewat |
| Reserve Bench |
| 16. | Josh Mann-Rae |
| 17. | Al Baxter |
| 18. | Tim McGann |
| 19. | Tom Egan |
| 20. | Dave Rimmer |
| 21. | Tom Carter |
| 22. | Clint Eadie |
“The Wallaby selectors want to see Al play on the other side of the scrum and this is a good opportunity
against quality opposition,” said McKenzie.
“Unfortunately it means Matt Skillecorn drops off the bench but the priority must always be what’s good for
the national team.”
Baxter will leave Wallaby camp on Friday to play the second half against the Maori at loosehead.
The Waratahs and Eastwood have also lost Winston Mafi for an extended period after he suffered anterior
cruciate damage to his right knee during the Shute Shield Final at the weekend.
Mafi will undergo surgery next week and is expected to be sidelined for six months.
His place in the Waratahs starting line-up goes to Randwick’s Tim Wright while Warringah’s Clint Eadie
moves onto the bench.
Meanwhile, powerhouse number 8 David Lyons will lead the Waratahs in the historic tour match.
NSW have named four Wallabies in the starting line-up Lyons, vice-captain Morgan Turinui, Matt Dunning and
Stephen Hoiles.
“It’s great to have these guys back and I’m sure they’ll be out to prove a point against extremely talented
opposition,” said McKenzie.
“David’s our most experienced player and deserves to lead the Waratahs in this special match.”
The Waratahs are also missing several players due to Australian U21s duty.
Rugby Tour Match
NSW Waratahs vs New Zealand Maori
Sydney Cricket Ground
Friday Night, June 2
Kick-Off: 7:30pm (local/AEST time)
There will be No Television coverage of this match.
Update: Wednesday - A knee injury has ruled Stephen Hoiles out of Friday’s tour match between the
Waratahs and New Zealand Maori at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Hoiles complained of soreness on Monday and following a scan yesterday elected to pull out of the match.
Head coach Ewen McKenzie has reshuffled the pack as a result.
James Campbell moves from blindside flanker to openside for Hoiles, Dean Mumm from the second row to
blindside, Ben Hand into lock from the bench and Tim McGann onto the reserves from 23rd man.
“It sounds like a lot of moving and shaking but in reality it’s a pretty logical adjustment for the players
involved,” said head coach Ewen McKenzie.
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