Gordon returns to face Brumbies

THE Waratahs have received a much needed leadership boost with the return from injury of captain Jake Gordon to play the defending champion Brumbies at the Sydney Cricket Ground today.

Gordon’s presence is a fillip for a NSW side still reeling from the sacking of coach Rob Penney following another heavy defeat against the Reds.

Assistant coaches Jason Gilmore and Chris Whitaker have taken the reins and opted to swich Izaia Perese and Lalakai Foketi’s jersey numbers in the centres.

Injuries to experienced locks Sam Wykes and Sam Caird mean starts for youngsters Max Douglas and Jeremy Williams, who have shown some promise off the bench.

Angus Bell returns to the starting lineup at loosehead prop, meaning another change of sides for Harry JohnsonHolmes while Tetera Faulkner drops to the reserves.

Meanwhile, Wallabies winger Tom Wright has overcome a knee injury and will make his first appearance of the season for the Brumbies.

Wright will start on the right wing, with Andy Muirhead switching to the No.11 jersey and Mack Hansen dropping to the bench.

WARATAHS (15-1): Jack Maddocks, Alex Newsome, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, James Ramm, Will Harrison, Jake Gordon (c), Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Hugh Sinclair, Max Douglas, Jeremy Williams, Harry JohnsonHolmes, David Porecki, Angus Bell.

Reserves: Tom Horton, Tetera Faulkner, Darcy Breen, Michael Wood, Charlie Gamble, Jack Grant,

Tane Edmed, Mark Nawaqanitawase.

BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Andy Muirhead, Noah Lolesio, Nic White (c), Pete Samu, Tom Cusack, Rob Valetini, Caderyn Neville, Nick Frost, James Slipper, Folau Fainga’a, Harry Lloyd.

Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, James Tucker, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Bayley Kuenzle, Mack Hansen