Bell, one of Australia’s best players in 2023, has been demoted to the bench in a surprise selection from head coach Darren Coleman given what’s at stake this weekend.
Since the start of the 2021 season, Bell has only come off the bench once for the Waratahs in 21 appearances.
There is another change to the NSW front row, with Mahe Vailanu ruled out through concussion. Julian Heaven has been given a maiden start, while four-Test Tongan representative Jay Fonokalafi is the replacement hooker on debut.
According to the Waratahs, Fonokalafi received his Super Rugby call-up from Coleman while he was on a building site this week.
Loading
Second-rower Hugh Sinclair has been replaced in the starting team by Fergus Lee-Warner, while Lachie Swinton comes onto the bench for the first time this year.
The Waratahs are eighth on the ladder after picking up one win from three matches, while the Blues are in fifth spot with a couple of wins from as many games.
The Blues have registered wins in their last nine fixtures against the Waratahs since 2016.
“I think the Blues will be too tough,” Horan said. “This is the biggest challenge for Darren Coleman this year. This is a red-hot backline for the Blues.”
Source Agencies
