Naiyaravoro unleashed on Sunwolves
After welcoming back the newly re-signed wing this week, the powerful international has been injected on the wing for the first time since the Waratahs' semifinal against the Highlanders in June last year.
It will be a highly-anticipated return for the 130kg 24-year-old, after making a name for himself as a potent try-scorer during his previous two years with the Waratahs in 2014 and 2015.
Naiyaravoro made his first 2016 appearance on Australian soil last weekend, crossing for his second try in as many Tests after being slotted into the Wallabies' squad for the England series upon his return from a stint overseas.
Matt Lucas has been handed the opportunity to run on as halfback this week, in what will be just his second start for the Waratahs since his Super Rugby debut for the team in 2013. Lucas has continued to impress at training and as a reliable support off the bench for the Waratahs all season, after re-joining the side at the start of the year.
Keen to add to their first few tries for the Tahs this year, determined flank, Jack Dempsey and speedy wing, Reece Robinson are also back in the starting XV.
Captain Dave Dennis will shift to the No.8 position. The Waratahs centurion is not a stranger to the jersey, having played there on a number of occasions across his decade-plus career.
Australian vice-captain, Rob Horne will run out for his 100th Super Rugby match for the Waratahs this week after reaching the milestone for his home state in the team's last Super Rugby match against the Chiefs last month.
The Waratahs will be looking to continue their momentum following the impressive 45-25 victory over the New Zealand conference leaders in Round 14 ahead of the June Test break.
The team returns to Sydney next week for one of their biggest games all year, and their last match on home soil in the regular season against the Hurricanes.
Waratahs: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Reece Robinson, 13 Israel Folau, 12 Rob Horne, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Matt Lucas, 8 Dave Dennis, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Tom Robertson, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Paddy Ryan.
Replacements – from: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Wycliff Palu, 21 Ned Hanigan, 22 Nick Phipps, 23 David Horwitz, 24 Tolu Latu, 25 Matt Carraro.
Date: Saturday, July 2
Venue: Prince Chichibu Stadium, Tokyo
Kick-off: 14.15 (15.15 AEST; 05.15 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Aki Aso (Japan), Noriaki Hashimoto (Japan)
TMO: Takashi Hareda (Japan)
