Winger Rob Horne and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau return from injury for the NSW Waratahs’ must-win Super Rugby clash with the Western Force in Perth.
Horne will start on the wing in place of Matt Carraro after recovering from a broken hand, while Polota-Nau will come off the bench in his comeback from a broken arm on Saturday.
Former skipper David Dennis will celebrate his milestone 100th match for his home state after a decade of whole-hearted performances for the Waratahs.
Dennis is one of three changes to the run-on team this week, coming into the second row with Dean Mumm to start on the bench as he battles a knee niggle.
Prop Paddy Ryan replaces injured veteran Benn Robinson, who has been ruled out due to an eye injury suffered in last week’s 26-20 loss to the Brumbies.
The Waratahs travel to Perth on Friday before heading to South Africa ahead of their round-10 match against the Stormers in Cape Town.
Waratahs: Andrew Kellaway, Reece Robinson, Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper (capt), Jack Dempsey, Will Skelton, David Dennis, Tom Robertson, Hugh Roach, Paddy Ryan. Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jeremy Tilse, Angus Ta’avao, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Matt Lucas, David Horwitz, Matt Carraro.
Paul
Guest
Aside for Lousi for Mumm, Guilford for cararro and Latu returning this is the Tah side I hope to see for the rest of the year. I don't mind the Folau at 13 experiment. I've lost all hope of making the finals, so lets have a little fun :)
Fin
Guest
I'm not sure you can consider the Tahs a bit scalp for the Force anymore
Machooka
Roar Guru
I'm not Big on flippant Steve... thankfully!?!
Zero Gain
Guest
A big improvement with these two there.
CUW
Guest
this is the chance for force to scalp a biggie , if ever :)
Big Steve
Guest
don't be so phlippant.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Just in the nick of time... thankfully!?!
Big Steve
Guest
Didn't think Phipps was playing so badly they would be better off with no one. Good to see Rob Horne back. Potentially the best backline arrangement they have put out this year.