Wests have rushed new Wallabies forward Seru Uru into the pack as a potential game-breaker for Sunday’s StoreLocal Hospital Cup preliminary final.
Being overlooked for the Wallabies’ two-Test tour of Argentina has created the opportunity for the dynamic Uru to face University of Queensland at No.8 at GPS Rugby Club.
He is fresh off one of the highs of his rugby life, a long-awaited Test debut against South Africa in Perth where he came off the bench.
Uru’s ability as a finals specialist is well known as a member of two premiership teams with Easts (2020) and Wests (2022). Too, he claimed the Tony Shaw Medal in Wests' 2022 triumph.
His presence is one of a number of key changes for the Bulldogs for the 2.40pm game.
Coach Elwee Prinsloo has looked to increase his lineout-winning options.
Uru and captain Connor Anderson are already prime targets in the backrow and there is another now Angelo Smith has been shifted from lock to blindside flanker.
Smith has overcome a calf injury to play. His lock spot has been filled by Sau Vaihu while the fitness of prop Bronson Tauakipulu is a big plus for the scrum battle.
In the backs, the return of centre David Vaihu from suspension adds punch to the backline.
Prinsloo has had to make a tough call on the wing with Mosese Dawai and Suliasi Vunivalu filling the spots and former Wallaby Henry Speight now on the bench.
“We have made some changes for the challenge we expect from UQ,” Prinsloo said.
“We wanted to lift our options in the lineout and Sau Vaihu is effective in maul defence which is an area we need to have strength in.
“In the backs, Fletcher Spicer moves from the centres to fullback where I believe he’s played his best rugby this season.
“It should be an excellent game. We’ll know if the changes have worked about 4pm on Sunday.”
For UQ, Queensland Reds winger Mac Grealy will reach the milestone of 50 first grade games in this match.
