09/05/2008 11:31 AM
Rugby league convert Timana Tahu will make his long-awaited return for the Waratahs against the Stormers on Sunday morning.
A knee injury has limited Tahu to just three Super 14 appearances since making the lucrative switch to the 15-man game this season, but the 27-year-old has been named on the bench for this week's clash.
Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie said Tahu's big game experience will be valuable against a well-drilled Stormers outfit.
"We've got guys here who've played in Super Rugby finals over the last few years but this kind of cauldron will be new to a lot of young players in the team and having Timana play off the bench brings just that little bit more big game experience to the side," McKenzie said.
"I think we've timed his comeback well and he'll play a crucial role like the other 21 players on Saturday night."
Lote Tuqiri has been shifted to fullback, Matt Carraro will start on a wing, while Sam Norton-Knight has been moved to the bench.
McKenzie said the changes to the backline could well be the spark his side needs to overrun the Stormers.
"Lote plays a lot at the back during most matches anyway but we might be able to get a little more thrust out of him at fullback that might threaten the Stormers defence with some extra space and more touches of the ball," McKenzie said.
"Matt's been impressive for us off the bench and deserves his start at Newlands."
"In the end all we've done is move a couple of guys around. The only new face in the match day 22 in the backs is Timana."
Al Baxter remains in doubt for the clash, but the prop has been named in the starting line-up and is confident he will be fit in time.
Rookie Dan Palmer is on standby after arriving in Cape Town last night.
Waratahs team:
1. Benn Robinson, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3. Al Baxter, 4. Dean Mumm, 5. Dan Vickerman, 6. Rocky Elsom, 7. Phil Waugh, 8. Wycliff Palu, 9. Luke Burgess, 10. Kurtley Beale, 11. Matt Carraro, 12. Tom Carter, 13. Rob Horne, 14. Lachie Turner, 15. Lote Tuqiri.
Bench
16. Adam Freier, 17. Sekope Kepu, 18. Will Caldwell, 19. David Lyons, 20. Brett Sheehan, 21. Sam Norton-Knight, 22. Timana Tahu.