It’s New South Wales v Queensland in Rugby Union as well as League this week as NSW Waratahs host Queensland Reds at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. The Waratahs can clinch top spot on the Super Rugby Australian Conference ladder with a win, although it may require a large margin of victory to hold off the second placed Brumbies.
The match also provides a number of intriguing head to head contests between rivals for Wallabies selection with the World Cup looming on the horizon. For Queensland halves Quade Cooper and Will Genia this will be their final club game of the year, so they will be eager to press their claims for a recall at the expense of Waratahs duo Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley.
The Waratahs welcome back Will Skelton (suspension) and Tatafu Polota-Nau (concussion) to the starting side. Tolu Latu and Rob Horne are still serving suspensions of their own. The bonus point win would also give the Waratahs a much needed week off to prepare for their semi-final, having been in action for ten consecutive rounds of the Super rugby season.
While it will be important to score as many points as possible in this game the Waratahs need to be wary of being to open in defence. Last week against the Cheetahs they were impressive in attack, scoring 58 points, but also conceded five tries in the process.
Saturday 13th June, Allianz Stadium Moore Park 19:30
NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds
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