Alex Newsome is set for his first start in three months for the Waratahs, and the game couldn’t get much bigger.
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After a string of impressive performances off the bench, the Glen Innes product replaces Cam Clark on the wing for NSW’s quarter-final against the Highlanders.
Newsome last started for the Waratahs in their 29-0 loss to the Lions in April and the 23-year old has been working his way back into the frame in recent weeks.
"Every time he's touched the ball, he's really added, he's really exciting and I think he really deserves a shot," coach Daryl Gibson said.
"He's got some excellent wingers he's going to be up against and we know he can do the job there."
Newsome is the only change to the Waratahs team for the game against the Otago side and Gibson is confident his side has put a disappointing final round loss against the Brumbies behind them.
"(We were) not so much shaken, re-stirred (by that), in that we were disappointed with our performance," he said.
"Really getting back to what we know is a real priority for us and that's showing those fighting qualities that we've shown all year and the guys are really disappointed with what they showed and I know this week we've come out a different team."
