(Reuters) - New South Wales Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has earned his starting spot in the Super Rugby semi-final against the Lions with an improved off-field attitude and has the power to nullify the marauding Malcolm Marx, says team mate Sekope Kepu.

Latu, who replaces Damien Fitzpatrick for Saturday's match at Ellis Park, struggled for a spot in Daryl Gibson's match-day squad earlier in the season before returning to form following a surprise recall to the Wallabies for the June series against Ireland.