Waratahs coach Michael Foley has made two changes to the backline and two changes to the forwards for this week's clash against the Stormers in Cape Town.

Bernard Foley comes in at fullback replacing Daniel Halangahu who drops down to the bench while Sarel Pretorius who started last week against the Bulls changes places with Brendan McKibbin.

Wycliff Palu played at No.8 against the Bulls but drops down to the bench and Dave Dennis starts in his place. Rocky Elsom retains the captaincy but is partnered with Sitaleki Timani instead of Kane Douglas who wil come off the bench.

Waratahs coach Foley has bracketed Tatafu Polota-Nauwho could be replaced by John Ulugia if he fails a fitness test.

"There were some tough decisions to be made but we felt Bernard played very well at 15 before he was injured and Daniel Halangahu being able to come on at 10 or 15 gives us a few options and versatility,' Foley told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Adam Ashley-Cooper gives us that versatility, too, as does Tom Kingston - and Berrick (Barnes)."

"At this stage of the year there are some guys who have played a lot of rugby and some other guys who have showed some fairly good form off the bench," coach Foley said.

"So it's the same as we did in the Brumbies game with Dean Mumm, who started on the bench coming back into the team, and Dave Dennis, who was benched last week, also coming back into the team.

"At this stage, there is no one in severe doubt, other than 'Taf' at hooker. It's a case of not wanting to take any risks and unless he is 100 per cent he won't be playing."

"I think from the Stormers perspective, the one thing you know about them is that their defence is the best in the competition and they use their kicking game to set that defence up," Foley said.

"They kick the ball into your half and use their defence to force you into error. They also have a very good goal-kicker, and if they are out of range they kick for the sideline and maul. "

"That's pretty much their game and they are very, very patient with their attacking kicking and try and force you to play a lot of phases without momentum in your own half."

Waratahs:

15. Bernard Foley ,14. Atieli Pakalani ,13. Rob Horne ,12. Adam Ashley-Cooper ,11. Tom Kingston ,10. Berrick Barnes , vice captain,9. Brendan McKibbin ,8. Dave Dennis ,7. Chris Alcock ,6. Rocky Elsom , captain,5. Sitaleki Timani ,4. Dean Mumm ,3. Sekope Kepu ,2. Tatafu Polota-Nau /John Ulugia ,1. Benn Robinson

Replacements16. John Ulugia /John Mann-Rea ,17. Jeremy Tilse ,18. Kane Douglas ,19. Jono Jenkins ,20. Wycliff Palu ,21. Sarel Pretorius (Gordon) ,22. Daniel Halangahu