Super 14
Waratahs hit by double injury blow
Scrum.com
March 31, 2010
Waratahs flanker Phil Waugh smiles during a pre-season training session, Moore Park, Sydney, Australia, December 14, 2009
Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh will miss their meeting with the Cheetahs © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Wycliff Palu | Phil Waugh
Tournaments/Tours: Super 14

The Waratahs will face the Cheetahs at Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday without influential skipper Phil Waugh and No.8 Wycliff Palu.

The back-row duo both suffered injuries during last weekend's 39-32 victory over the Blues with Waugh picking up a quadriceps strain and Palu a hamstring strain.

Chris Alcock slots into Waugh's No.7 berth for a debut while Ben Mowen is also drafted into the loose trio. The uncapped Locky McCaffrey gets a chance among the replacements. Dean Mumm, who led the Australian midweek team in 2009, will take over leadership duties from Waugh.

"We came out of the Blues match fairly battered and bruised but we're putting up a strong side again this weekend against the Cheetahs," head coach Chris Hickey said. "Phil Waugh is obviously a big loss, however Chris Alcock has been training the house down ever since he joined us after the Shute Shield finished and I'm certain he'll take this opportunity with both hands.

"Chris was one of the form players for the Junior Waratahs throughout the 'A' program and he'll certainly be up to the challenge of Super 14. Dean was one of the leaders within the squad last season but I think those skills went to another level on the spring tour when he captained the Wallabies in two midweek matches. He took on the responsibilities of captain easily last weekend and will do a great job on Saturday."

Meanwhile, the Western Force will be without winger Nick Cummins for two games after his appeal against a SANZAR ban was dismissed. Cummins was suspended by SANZAR judicial officer Campbell Thomson after being cited for an incident in their home defeat to the Bulls in the last round. In a bonus for the ailing franchise, though, Wallaby back-rowers Richard Brown and David Pocock are set to return in Friday's showdown with the Stormers.

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