Adam Ashley-Cooper has been ruled out of the Waratahs' Vodacom Super Rugby derby with the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.
Matt Carraro will make his first start of the season at outside centre in Ashley-Cooper's absence in one of three changes to the side that overcame the Rebels in round two.
Blockbusting winger Taqele Naiyaravoro, who scored two tries in that match, has been relegated to the bench in favour of Peter Betham. Meanwhile, among the forwards, the Waratahs will welcome back Wycliff Palu, who returns to the starting XV at the expense of Stephen Hoiles, who drops down to the replacements bench.
The Waratahs return from a bye and face a Reds team looking to bounce back from their away loss to the Highlanders last weekend.
Waratahs – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Peter Betham, 13 Matt Carraro, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Jaques Potgieter, 5 Dave Dennis (c), 4 Will Skelton, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Subs (one to be omitted): 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Mitchell Chapman, 21 Stephen Hoiles, 22 Brendan McKibbin, 23 Jono Lance, 24 Taqele Naiyaravoro.
Photo: William West/Getty Images
