Rugby: Holmes gets nod at halfback for Waratahs

Josh Holmes. Photo / Getty Images

Josh Holmes was today picked to start at halfback for the injury-hit New South Wales Waratahs in their Super 15 rugby semifinal qualifier against the Blues in Auckland tomorrow night.

Holmes will fill in for Luke Burgess, who broke a bone in a hand in training to be one of four players added to the Waratahs' casualty list this week.

Danger man Kurtley Beale was confirmed as moving from fullback to first five-eighth in place of Daniel Halangahu, who pulled a hamstring in the Waratahs' victory over the Brumbies last weekend.

As part of the reshuffled backline, former All Black and Chief Sosene Anesi comes in to start on the left wing.

Also missing from the win over the Brumbies are hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau because of a knee complaint and tighthead prop Al Baxter with concussion.

Their places are taken by John Ulugia and Paddy Ryan.

In one other change to the starting 15, lock Kane Douglas returns from suspension.

The Waratahs' injury woes also mean inside back Bernard Foley and hooker Elvis Taione have been called up to the bench and are in line to make their Super rugby debuts.

Coach Chris Hickey said constant team changes forced by injuries was something the Waratahs had faced for most of the regular season, so the situation this week wasn't unfamiliar.

"We've managed to deal with that over the last 15 weeks," he said.

"The fact that it has happened to us still in this week hasn't actually been that disruptive."

Hickey also described Beale's shift from fullback as a non-issue.

He said Beale had played in the No 10 jersey more than the No 15 during his career, and had been used at first five-eighth this year as well.

Waratahs:
Lachie Turner, Atieli Pakalani, Ryan Cross, Tom Carter, Sosene Anesi, Kurtley Beale, Josh Holmes, Dave Dennis, Phil Waugh (captain), Dean Mumm, Sitaleki Timani, Kane Douglas, Paddy Ryan, John Ulugia, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Elvis Taione, Jeremy Tilse, Pat O'Connor, Chris Alcock, Hugh Perrett, Brendan McKibbin, Bernard Foley.

- NZPA