Waratahs head coach has named NSW Centurion, Rob Horne and Zac Guildford in the starting Super Rugby team to play the Chiefs at Allianz Stadium on Friday.
Gibson has made four changes to the starting side that fell to the Crusaders in Round 13 for this week’s home clash between the New Zealand and Australian Conference leaders.
Wycliff Palu has been injected as the Tahs’ number eight in place of Jed Holloway who re-injured his shoulder during last week’s match against the Crusaders.
Widely respected as one of the team’s most experienced leaders, Palu continues to make a huge contribution to both the run-on side and the bench this season.
Zac Guildford returns as the starting winger following his standout performance off the bench last week, which saw him cross for his debut try in the NSW jersey to deny his former Crusader teammates a bonus point.
Reliable utility back, Matt Carraro also joins the 15 on the opposite wing, while Rob Horne will play at inside centre for his 100th game for NSW.
Horne is the third Waratahs player to reach a century of games for NSW this year, having played his whole career for his home state after debuting for the Waratahs back in 2008.
Tough back rower, Jack Dempsey will provide added strength on the Waratahs’ bench for this Friday’s match, back after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in South Africa.
Lock, Will Skelton will notch 50 Super Rugby caps this weekend after running out for the same milestone for NSW games last week.
This Friday’s match will be the last NSW Waratahs Super Rugby match for five weeks as the tournament breaks for the June internationals.
Waratahs
1. Paddy Ryan , 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau , 3. Tom Robertson, 4. Dave Dennis (VC), ,5. Will Skelton, 6. Dean Mumm, 7. Michael Hooper (C), 8. Wycliff Palu , 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bernard Foley , 11. Zac Guildford , 12. Rob Horne , 13. Israel Folau, 14. Matt Carraro , 15. Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: 16. Hugh Roach , 17. Jeremy Tilse, 18. Angus Ta’avao , 19. Sam Lousi , 20. Jack Dempsey , 21. Matt Lucas , 22. David Horwitz , 23. Reece Robinson
