Waratahs v Cheetahs preview

The Cheetahs travel to Sydney to take on the Waratahs on Friday, 15 March 2013.

The Cheetahs will undoubtedly be full of confidence after a convincing win over the Highlanders in Invercargill, while the Waratahs will be hurting after being dominated by the Bumbies.

That said, a huge plus for the Waratahs will be the return of Berrick Barnes, who will slot into the centre position.

Bernard Foley holding onto the number 10 jersey, while impressive youngster, Ben Volavola, moves from the fullback position (where he started last week), and back onto the bench. Israel Folau then moves off the wing and back into the 15 jersey, while Turner and Betham hold the wings.

Pat McCutcheon will step in for the injured Wycliff Palu, allowing Dave Dennis to move onto the flank.

In the front row, hooker John Ulugia takes over from the injured Tatafu Polota-Nau, whilst Paddy Ryan gets a start at tight-head.

The Cheetahs team remains largely similar to the one that surprised the Highlanders in the 36-19 win last week.

Springboks Coenie Oosthuisen and Heinrich Brüssow will play off the bench, and add a bit of muscle and head-first attitude to the Cheetahs.

Rugby Informer’s prediction: The Cheetahs will be backing themselves against the wounded Waratahs, and given their persevering performance last week, they should be. The addition of Berrick Barnes into the Waratahs will give the Sydney team some kicking prowess and backline momentum, which will result in a better performance. Waratahs by 5.

The game kicks-off at 10:40 (SA time) at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

Waratahs team:

1. Benn Robinson, 2. John Ulugia, 3. Paddy Ryan, 4. Sitaleki Timani, 5. Kane Douglas, 6. Dave Dennis (c), 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Pat McCutcheon, 9. Brendan McKibbin, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Peter Betham, 12. Berrick Barnes, 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Lachie Turner, 15. Israel Folau

Replacements: 16. Luke Holmes, 17. Jeremy Tilse, 18. Mitchell Chapman, 19. Lopeti Timani, 20. Matt Lucas, 21. Ben Volavola, 22. Rob Horne

Cheetahs team:

15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Willie le Roux, 13 Johan Sadie, 2 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Phillip van der Walt, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Frans Viljoen, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lodewyk de Jager, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuisen, 18 Rynhard Landman, 19 Heinrich Brüssow, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Riaan Smit, 22 Ryno Benjamin