SYDNEY - Waratahs coach Chris Hickey has shown faith in the same squad which lifted the team to victory over the Sharks last Saturday, naming an unchanged line-up for the crucial Super 14 clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday morning.
The Waratahs kept their finals hopes alive with
16-12 win over the Sharks in Durban, and are one of seven teams still competing for a semifinals berth going into this week's final round of the home and away fixture.
Brett Sheehan, who beat a dangerous tackle charge earlier in the week to be available for the round 14 match, has been named on the bench and will earn his 50th Super rugby cap if he comes on.
The Waratahs face several scenarios as they chase a spot in the competition's top four, but Hickey says winning the match against the Lions will be his team's main issue.
"It's always great when you come off a good win to be in a position to field the same side again," he said.
"It's a six-day turnaround this week which limits your preparation somewhat, so having those combinations in place week-to-week is a real positive.
"All we can do is go out there with a focus on winning the game - that's all we can control, and the rest will take care of itself.
"Playing at Ellis Park ... one of the most imposing stadiums in the rugby world and we know that even though they're (Lions) out of finals contention they'll be up for a real contest."
Waratahs
Lachie Turner, Peter Playford, Timana Tahu, Kurtley Beale, Lote Tuqiri, Daniel Halangahu, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Ben Mowen, Will Caldwell, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.
Res: Damien Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, Chris Thomson, Luke Doherty, Brett Sheehan, Sam Norton-Knight, Tom Carter.
- AAP
