Coach Daryl Gibson has made six changes to the Waratahs' starting lineup for Friday's pre-season match against the Highlanders in Queenstown.

Israel Folau has recovered from an ankle injury and will start at fullback, with Andrew Kellaway and Reece Robinson on the wings, while flyhalf Bernard Foley will make his first appearance since returning from a stint in Japan.

Paddy Ryan is at loosehead prop, as Gibson wants to see what he can do on the other side of the scrum.

Lock Sam Lousi, flank David Dennis and No 8 Jed Holloway also return to the starting lineup.

Gibson has named an extended 17-man bench in a bid to give as many players game time as possible.

Waratahs – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Reece Robinson, 13 Rob Horne, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Andrew Kellaway, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 David Dennis, 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Paddy Ryan.
Subs: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Benn Robinson, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Jack Dempsey, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Zac Guildford, 24 Jake Gordon, 25 Matt Carraro, 26 Senio Toleafoa, 27 Matt Sandell, 28 Hugh Roach, 29 Ned Hanigan, 30 Brad Wilkin, 31 Bernard Foley, 32 Harry Jones.

Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images