A strong crowd is expected tonight at the Sydney Football Stadium when the HSBC Waratahs take on the Crusaders in the 3rd Annual Rotomahana Challenge.

The Waratahs have a number of changes to the side which was announced earlier this week, with lock Will Caldwell coming into the starting XV for Dean Mumm who has the flu.

Two more HSBC Junior Waratahs now get their chance in tonight’s match, with Chris Thomson taking Caldwell’s place on the bench, while Australian Under-19 prop Dan Palmer comes in for Jeremy Tilse who sustained a fractured finger at training.

The match is due to get underway at 7.40pm with gates opening at the Sydney Football Stadium at 6:00pm.

Spectators attending the game are encouraged to use public transport, with a number of buses available to and from the event:
• Route 1 from Chalmers Street will operate from 5.30pm until 7.40pm.
• Passengers can catch normal services: Routes 373, 377, 391, 392, 394 from Circular Quay or Elizabeth Street as they travel very close to the venue.
• Return buses depart from Stand A, Bay 1 from 9.00pm until last bus at 10.20pm.

3RD ANNUAL ROTOMAHANA CHALLENGE
Thursday, 7 February 2008 (7:40pm kick-off)
Sydney Football Stadium

HSBC WARATAHS
1. Matt Dunning
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Dan Vickerman
5. Will Caldwell
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Phil Waugh [c]
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Josh Valentine
10. Kurtley Beale
11. Ben Jacobs
12. Tom Carter
13. Timana Tahu
14. Matt Carraro
15. Lachie Turner
16. Adam Freier
17. Al Baxter
18. Chris Thomson
19. Beau Robinson
20. Brett Sheehan
21. Andrew Smith
22. Sam Harris
23. Dan Palmer
24. Benn Robinson
25. Ben Mowen
26. Ben Batger
27. Alfi Mafi

CRUSADERS
1. Ben Franks
2. Ti’i Paulo
3. Greg Somerville
4. Brad Thorne
5. Ali Williams
6. Kieran Read
7. Richie McCaw [c]
8. Mose Tuiali’i
9. Kane Fotuali’i
10. Daniel Carter
11. Kade Poki
12. Stephen Brett
13. Casey Laulala
14. Scott Hamilton
15. Leon MacDonald
16. Corey Flynn
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Michael Paterson
19. Nasi Manu
20. Steve Alfield
21. Hamish Gard
22. Sean Maitland
24. Tim Bateman
28. Campbell Johnstone
Jersey Numbers TBA: James Broadhurst, Steve Fulau, Lualua Vailoaloa

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