Berrick Barnes to lead the Waratahs against Samoa

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STAND-IN Waratahs skipper Berrick Barnes will link up with marquee import Sarel Pretorius in the NSW halves for the first time when the Tahs take on Samoa in their opening trial on Friday night in Tamworth.

Barnes was today named to lead the stronger of two NSW sides that will play two 30-minute quarters each against the Pacific Islanders.

Though several Wallabies stars are still missing, the sides give the first indications of Michael Foley’s thinking about his top-choice team for the first round of Super Rugby against Queensland in three weeks.

Pretorius will make his debut at No.9 and Barnes will resume his playmaking duties in the NSW No.10, despite impressing at the World Cup and on the Wallabies tour playing at inside center.

The backline has a familiar look but with Brackin Karauria-Henry finally joining the Waratah fold in Kurtley Beale’s vacant fullback jersey. The former Brumby endured an injury-plagued season in 2011 but has impressed Tahs coaches mightily over summer and is tipped to play a role in the top side this year.

In the pack, the absence of Benn Robinson means local boy Paddy Ryan will take the tighthead jersey and Sekope Kepu the loosehead role.

There’s no insight into the battle for No.7, with Chris Alcock named in the role but rival Pat McCutcheon to play No.8.

Interestingly, McCutcheon is vice-captain of the side despite not being named as one of the eight-man NSW leadership group last week.

“We’ve chosen this format to try and give most players 60 minutes of rugby to best complement our pre-season training,” NSW coach Michael Foley said.

“Our mandate is to produce 80-minute players and giving most of the guys 60 minutes of trial match rugby is an important progression towards that goal.”

Daniel Halangahu will captain the Waratahs’ second side.