Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has made several changes to his starting line-up for Sunday’s clash with the Melbourne Rebels in Sydney.
The biggest surprise is in the backline where Israel Folau moves from full-back to right wing in place of Alex Newsome and Bryce Hegarty will wear the number 15 jersey.
Elsewhere, tighthead prop Sekope Kepu replaces Paddy Ryan, lock Rob Simmons comes in for Tom Staniforth and Mitch Short will start at scrum-half.
On the replacements bench, Hugh Roach replaces Tolu Latu, Ryan takes over from Kalivate Tawake while Tom Staniforth replaces Nick Palmer.
Short’s inclusion in the starting line-up has created an opportunity for Mick Snowden to be named on the bench.
Jake Gordon has been ruled out because he has not recovered sufficiently from a head knock he suffered in last weekend's game against the Jaguares.
“The changes reflect Sekope’s return from suspension, Rob’s return from injury, rewarding Bryce’s consistent performances the last couple of weeks and tactically allowing us to utilise Israel’s aerial ability,” said Gibson.
“The focus for us earlier in the week was about recovery and now it’s about finding our intensity. We are excited to be back home and playing in front of our supporters again.”
Waratahs: 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Curtis Rona, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Mitchell Short, 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Michael Wells, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Ned Hanigan, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Will Miller, 21 Mick Snowden, 22 Alex Newsome, 23 Taqele Naiyaravoro
Date: Sunday, March 18
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 16:05 local (05:05 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Federico Anselmi (Argentina), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
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