Captain of the New South Wales Waratahs, Daniel Halangahu, has showcased his fierce competitive spirit by announcing that those overlooked by the Wallabies are determined to bring down their Test-capped Queensland Reds rivals tonight.
After five-eighth Berrick Barnes was sidelined due to a groin injury, Halangahu’s selection as captain came as a surprise.
Halangahu is not included in the Waratahs’ eight-man leadership team.
However, he is the first individual to lead the side since Phil Waugh, the long-standing captain, retired.
Typically reserved, Halangahu expressed that he felt “not overawed by the situation at all” and quickly set the mood for the opening match against the reigning champions, Queensland, at ANZ Stadium.
“The Reds backline features many notable players with Wallabies experience, and several of our team members are eager to outplay these players for future selection, not to mention claiming bragging rights,” Halangahu stated.
“Some players from the Reds hold numerous Wallaby caps, and our guys who lack such experience are keen to make their case.”
In the significant matchups featuring internationally-uncapped Waratahs against their capped Reds counterparts, blindside flanker David Dennis challenges Scott Higginbotham, lock Kane Douglas faces Rob Simmons, and inside centre Tom Carter goes up against Ben Tapuai, who made his Wallabies debut off the bench in the dying moments against Wales in Cardiff last December.
Within the Reds backline, Wallabies players include Will Genia, Digby Ioane, Anthony Fainga’a, Tapuai, and Luke Morahan, leaving only rookie winger Dom Shipperley and Kiwi-born five-eighth Mike Harris as non-internationals.
Conversely, NSW has only two internationals in their backline – Adam Ashley-Cooper and Rob Horne.
Waratahs coach Michael Foley, after announcing his eight-man leadership group three weeks prior, indicated they might opt for different captains for certain matches.
Despite four members of the eight-man leadership group playing on Saturday night – Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Carter, and Rob Horne – Halangahu was ultimately selected for the role.
Barnes is anticipated to make his return next week against the Melbourne Rebels, which will likely see Halangahu return to the bench.
Full-time captain Rocky Elsom, who is currently injured, is expected to be out for four weeks.
During their two trial matches against Samoa and Tonga, Barnes and Halangahu each captained separate NSW teams, with Halangahu primarily leading the second-string squad.
by Buford Balony
