Rugby: Waugh cleared to face Blues

SYDNEY - Captain Phil Waugh was cleared to play but Kurtley Beale failed to travel with the NSW Waratahs to Auckland today due to a bout of tonsilitis.

Beale, who has been relegated to the bench for Friday's Super 14 match against the Blues behind Daniel Halangahu, is expected to fly over on Thursday to join the squad.

Waugh had been in doubt for the match because of an Achilles tendon injury but coach Chris Hickey said he would play after showing no ill effects from Tuesday's training run.

Hickey confirmed Wallabies forward Dean Mumm will switch from blindside flanker to lock in place of youngster Chris Thomson with Ben Mowen recalled to the side of the scrum.

- AAP