Waratahs Super rugby head coach Rob Penney has named his season-opening team to play the Crusaders in Nelson, New Zealand.
The starting XV features two debutants in Will Harrison and Mark Nawaqanitawse, with the Junior Wallabies pairing being rewarded for strong form in pre-season trials against the Highlanders and the Reds.
Angus Bell and Carlo Tizzano are also in line for Super Rugby debuts, named on the bench for Saturday’s clash at Trafalgar Park. They’ll also be joined by the experienced Tetera Faulkner, Damien Fitzpatrick, Jack Dempsey and Jack Maddocks.
Kurtley Beale will line up at fullback as Harrison assumes playmaking duties, with the utility back earning his 143rd Waratahs cap, taking him to second on the all-time appearance list.
Lalakai Foketi and Karmichael Hunt will pair in the midfield, flanked by Alex Newsome and Nawaqanitawse on the wings.
Tom Robertson, Robbie Abel and Tetera Faulkner will pack down in the front row, with Harry Johnson-Holmes ruled out due to illness.
Tom Staniforth will line up for his 50th Super Rugby cap alongside Rob Simmons in the second row.
Waratahs
Kurtley Beale, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Lalakai Foketi, Karmichael Hunt, Alex Newsome, Will Harrison, Jake Gordon, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Lachlan Swinton, Rob Simmons (capt), Tom Staniforth, Tetera Faulkner, Robbie Abel, Tom Robertson.
Replacements: Chris Talakai, Damien Fitzpatrick, Angus Bell, Ryan McCauley, Carlo Tizzano, Jack Dempsey, Mitch Short, Jack Maddocks.