Photo: John Flitcroft / Flitty Images

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Tolu Latu’s promotion to the run-on side is the NSW Waratahs only change from last weekend’s dramatic comeback win over the Highlanders, as they look to front up physically with the Lions in Johannesburg.

“This match will be a very physical encounter, particularly with the breakdown and scrum being key battlegrounds,” said head coach Daryl Gibson. “These are areas where Tolu excels. We are expecting a real set-piece battle so we need to be good in this area to compete with the Lions’ scrum and lineout.

“I can’t see the Lions changing what has worked for them all season. We learnt a great deal from the last time we played them and when their strengths led them to victory. We have again focused on our defence this week as we see that as key to victory.”

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SUPER RUGBY SEMI-FINAL: NSW WARATAHS v LIONS
Ellis Park, Johannesburg. KO 11pm (AEST) on FoxSports

1.Tom Robertson; 2. Tolu Latu; 3. Sekope Kepu; 4. Jed Holloway; 5. Rob Simmons (Vice-captain); 6. Ned Hanigan; 7. Will Miller; 8. Michael Wells; 9. Nick Phipps; 10. Bernard Foley (Captain); 11. Taqele Naiyaravoro; 12. Kurtley Beale; 13. Curtis Rona; 14. Alex Newsome; 15. Israel Folau

Replacements: 16. Damien Fitzpatrick; 17. Harry Johnson-Holmes; 18. Paddy Ryan; 19. Tom Staniforth; 20. Brad Wilkin; 21. Jake Gordon; 22. Bryce Hegarty; 23. Cam Clark