Waratahs call up rookie after Latu suspended

Youngster Hugh Roach has vowed to seize his chance as the Waratahs’ latest starting hooker after the suspension of Tolu Latu.

The 22-year-old is expected to be thrown into action for the Super Rugby defending champions with incumbent hooker Latu banned for four weeks for a dangerous tackle and Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (concussion) still being rested.

The Waratahs flew out yesterday for their two-match tour of South Africa with uncertainty hanging over the makeup of their team to face the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday.

They are expected to appeal against the suspensions of Latu and lock Will Skelton (two weeks) on Monday for their tip tackle on All Black lock Sam Whitelock in Saturday’s win over the Crusaders.

While Latu stayed behind, Skelton was travelling with the team, indicating they believe an appeal may clear him to play in one, or both, matches against the Lions and Cheetahs.

Roach, who has five Super Rugby caps, is set to become the starting hooker with Manly club rake Dave Porecki called in as backup.

“Unfortunately it’s come under these circumstances but I’m going to take my opportunity and give it everything I’ve got and see what happens,” said Roach.

“I’ve been in and around the Tahs for a while.

“I’ve been on standby if anything ever happens so it dawned on me when it hit everyone else. I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m pretty confident in myself to give the best that I can and the boys have been really good for the time I’ve been here.”

Mitchell Chapman is expected to go from the bench to start alongside skipper Dave Dennis at lock if the Skelton appeal fails.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika backed the expected appeal over the suspensions of Latu and Skelton.

“We’re aware that rugby is trying to make sure that these tip tackles and everything like that are clamped down on and we agree with that idea totally,” he said.

“We just feel the tackles didn’t meet the criteria of the law for a red card like the match officials saw it on the day. So we’ll go through the appeal process.”