Waratahs forced to call on club flanker Hugh Perrett
Iain Payten
From: The Daily Telegraph
May 14, 2011 12:00AM
TOUGH Eastwood flanker Hugh Perrett will be drafted onto the Waratahs' bench for his Super Rugby debut next week against the Lions after more bad news on the injury front for NSW.
Both skipper Phil Waugh and Wycliff Palu are expected to remain sidelined for at least another week with hamstring injuries, and will target the South African tour for a return to the game.
With Pat McCutcheon out for six weeks with an ankle injury, Perrett has been called as backup for the Tahs' only fit openside flanker, Chris Alcock.
The 29-year-old is not short on experience. Perrett, who has played for NSW A, also represented the Western Rams in the ARC, spent time in the UK and is a strong club performer for Eastwood. He finished second in the Ken Catchpole Medal last year.
"He has been one of the most consistent players in club rugby for the last five or six years, Hugh, and this year his form for Eastwood has been really good. We have a great deal of confidence in his ability to play at this level," coach Chris Hickey said.
"Physically, he is more than equipped to handle this level of football. And his versatility is a big plus, too; he can play 6, 7 or 8."
Having often been forced to scour the ranks for fit troops, Hickey will be given a more agreeable selection headache at hooker with both Tatafu Polota-Nau and Damien Fitzpatrick ready to return.
But after John Ulugia turned in a strong performance in beating the Force last week, the famous "third-string" hooker could have claims to stay higher up in the rankings.
Meanwhile, Brumbies prop Dan Palmer has been ruled out of their clash with the Lions tonight in Canberra with a foot injury. Jono Owen returns to the starting line-up, and Salesi Ma'afu comes onto the bench.
Matt Giteau will play his 100th Super Rugby game with his 63rd appearance in Brumbies colours.
