Waratahs opt for Latu in Super Rugby semi-final, Lions lose Brink

Australia hooker Tolu Latu has been recalled for the Waratahs’ Super Rugby semi-final against the Lions, who will be without flanker Cyle Brink.

Waratahs boss Daryl Gibson selected Latu ahead of Damien Fitzpatrick in a bid to boost his team’s effectiveness at the breakdown and when scrummaging.

It is the only change from the side that overturned a 17-point deficit to defeat the Highlanders 30-23 at Allianz Stadium last weekend.

“This match will be a very physical encounter, particularly with the breakdown and scrum being key battlegrounds. These are areas where Tolu excels,” said Gibson ahead of the clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.

“We are expecting a real set-piece battle, so we need to be good in this area to compete with the Lions’ scrum and lineout.”

We’re going back to the comeback for this week’s #TBT #fortheloveofrugby pic.twitter.com/nnjnr0LTni

— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) July 26, 2018

Lions boss Swys de Bruin has also made just one change, with Brink’s arm injury sustained during the 40-23 quarter-final victory over the Jaguares giving Lourens Erasmus an opportunity from the start.

Hacjivah Dayimani has consequently been named among the replacements.

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx was forced off late against the Jaguares but has been deemed fit enough to start for the Lions, who have finished as runners-up in the past two seasons.

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— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) July 26, 2018

The bench
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