Taqele Naiyaravoro will play his first Super Rugby match since last year’s semi-final loss after being named on the wing to play the Sunwolves.
Naiyaravoro is one of many Wallabies welcomed back in the Waratahs team with Tatafu Polota-Nau, Dean Mumm, Will Skelton, Michael Hooper, Bernard Foley, Rob Horne and Israel Folau all named to start.
Head coach Daryl Gibson has named Matt Lucas to start for the second time in his career, with incumbent Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps named on the bench.
Wallabies vice-captain Rob Horne will reach a huge milestone in Japan as is set to run out for his 100th Super Rugby match.
Jack Dempsey and Reece Robinson return to the starting side while club captain Dave Dennis has been shifted to number eight.
Not only is a win important for the Waratahs but a bonus point victory will continue to put the pressure on the conference leading Brumbies.
The Waratahs play the Sunwolves at 3:15pm AEST Saturday, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
1. Paddy Ryan (74 caps)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (138 caps)
3. Tom Robertson (10 caps)
4. Dean Mumm (98 caps)
5. Will Skelton (50 caps)
6. Jack Dempsey (11 caps)
7. Michael Hooper (C – 93 caps)
8. Dave Dennis (VC – 104 caps)
9. Matt Lucas (24 caps)
10. Bernard Foley (74 caps)
11. Taqele Naiyaravoro (20 caps)
12. Rob Horne (99 caps)
13. Israel Folau (57 caps)
14. Reece Robinson (10 caps)
15. Andrew Kellaway (8 caps)
RESERVES*
16. Hugh Roach (18 caps)
17. Jeremy Tilse (57 caps)
18. Angus Ta’avao (60 caps)
19. Sam Lousi (15 caps)
20. Wycliff Palu (132 caps)
21. Ned Hanigan (2 caps)
22. Nick Phipps (94 caps)
23. David Horwitz (10 caps)
24. Tolu Latu (32 caps)
25. Matt Carraro (52 caps)
*Two to be omitted
