Jacques Potgieter will start at No 4 lock for the Waratahs against the Reds in Sydney on Saturday.

The former Bulls and Springbok flank, who came off the bench early in the second half against the Force last weekend, replaces Will Skelton, who falls to the bench.

'It’s not about form, it’s about the roles they have to play in this particular game,' said Waratahs coach Michael Cheika. 'Jacques brings a different set of skills than Will. He has more experience and won’t give a damn that it’s a derby game. He brings a real physicality to the game in both attack and defence.'

Cheika added that Skelton will still have an important role to play.

'Jacques was blowing pretty heavily after his 37-minute stint against the Force. When Will gets on, he’ll be expected to maintain the level of intensity and do the job he’s been set.'

Waratahs – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Peter Betham, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Jacques Potgieter, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Subs (from): 16 Tola Latu, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19. Will Skelton, 20 Stephen Hoiles, 21 Brendan McKibbin, 22 Rob Horne, 23 Matt Carraro, 24 Pat McCutcheon, 25 Jonno Lance.

Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images