Rocky Elsom looks set to make his first appearance since 2008, when the Waratahs take on the Melbourne Rebels this Saturday in Sydney, after being named among an eight man bench.

Head coach Michael Foley has opted to stick with the same starting side for a fourth consecutive match but may look to give Elsom a run after the veteran flanker finally reached full fitness following his severe hamstring injury last season.

A final decision on the match day 22 will be made before the game.

A win on Saturday would see the New South Wales outfit move to four wins from eight matches and could see them top the Australian conference at the half way mark, with both the Brumbies and Reds facing tough away matches against the top two South African sides in the Bulls and Stormers.

Waratahs:

15. Bernard Foley, 14. Tom Kingston, 13. Rob Horne, 12. Tom Carter, 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10. Berrick Barnes, 9. Brendan McKibbin, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Dave Dennis, 5. Kane Douglas, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Sekope Kepu, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Benn Robinson.

Replacements: Rocky Elsom, Daniel Halangahu, Jono Jenkins, Sarel Pretorius, Paddy Ryan, Lopeti Timani, Sitaleki Timani, John Ulugia.