Tatafu Polota-Nau will return from injury this Friday after being named in the Waratahs side to play the Highlanders at Invercargill.
The Test hooker injured his shoulder in the round nine match against the Crusaders which forced him to miss last Saturday's victory over the Brumbies. He takes over in the starting XV from Adam Freier who was ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury in his return game.
In the only other change to the starting side, Dan Palmer has been named at loosehead prop with a calf injury to Sekope Kepu putting the Test representative on the sidelines for a month. Benn Robinson remains at least one more week away from a return, with Jeremy Tilse named as the backup prop.
"It's good to get Tatafu back considering we've got three other international front rowers who weren't available for selection," said Chris Hickey, Waratahs head coach. "Your depth gets tested when you suffer injuries in similar positions, but Dan Palmer showed in the last 15 minutes at the Brumbies that he's certainly up to the task at loosehead."
Hickey has made two more selection changes on the bench with Chris Thomson named in the match day 22 for the first time in 2010, while Australian Sevens captain Patrick McCutcheon is the new reserve backrower.
Thomson earned eight caps in his debut season last year, while McCutcheon last toured with the Tahs to the 2008 Super 14 Final in Christchurch as 23rd Man.
McCutcheon - who will make his Super Rugby debut if he takes the field - takes the place of Chris Alcock on the bench, with the Gordon backrower also heading to Invercargill with the team as the extra squad member.
"Thommo played some good footy in the trials, he did a great job leading the Junior Waratahs and has started the season well for Warringah too so he deserves a chance," said Hickey.
"Pat McCutcheon has been knocking on the door for a while as well so it will be good to have his energy tour."
The Waratahs travel to Invercargill via Christchurch on Wednesday ahead of Friday's clash with the Highlanders.
WARATAHS
15. Kurtley Beale , 14. Lachie Turner , 13. Tom Carter , 12. Berrick Barnes , 11. Drew Mitchell , 10. Daniel Halangahu , 9. Josh Holmes , 8. Ben Mowen , 7. Phil Waugh [c] , 6. Dave Dennis , 5. Kane Douglas , 4. Dean Mumm , 3. Al Baxter , 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau , 1. Dan Palmer
Reserves , 16. Damien Fitzpatrick , 17. Jeremy Tilse , 18. Chris Thomson , 19. Patrick McCutcheon* , 20. Luke Burgess , 21. Rory Sidey (West Harbour) , 22. Sosene Anesi (Eastern Suburbs) , 23rd Man - Chris Alcock (Gordon)
* NSW & Super Rugby Debut
.jpg)
.jpg)
