Waits in the wings for champions (6,2)
I believe the answer is:
stands by
I believe this is a double definition.
'waits in the wings' is the first definition.
'champions' is the second definition.
(to stand by someone is to support or champion them)
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for stands by that I've seen before include "fails to intervene" , "gives support" , "Holds oneself in readiness" , "Is supportive" , "Is ready" .)