Super Rugby journeyman Dave McDuling will make his Waratahs debut against former club, Sharks this weekend.
Former Reds lock McDuling played one game for the Durban-based Sharks last season but battled for game time, before joining the Waratahs at the end of the 2016 season.
McDuling replaces Senio Toleafoa in the starting side, with Will Skelton to miss a second week with a hamstring strain.
Former Sevens star Cam Clark is in line for his Super Rugby debut, named on the bench in place of mammoth winger Taqele Naiyaravoro.
Nick Phipps has returned to the starting side after being a late scratching with an ankle injury last week, with Matt Lucas shifting to the bench.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said McDuling's stints off the bench had earned him a start.
“We are excited for David who has earned the chance to start after his performance as a finisher in recent weeks. It is a great opportunity for him to go up against his old team,” said Gibson.
McDuling said he was looking forward to locking horns with his former teammates.
“They (the Sharks) will be confident after winning that game last week against the Brumbies on tour. It’s their first home game so they will be looking to put on a good show for their fans,” said McDuling
“I always look forward to playing, especially with my ties to Durban and the Sharks it does make it a little bit special.
“Everyone enjoys playing against people they know, which is the same in the Australian derbies – you want to get one up over your mates.
“For me it is another great opportunity to pull on a Waratahs jersey, play at a great stadium against a great team,” he said.
TEAM
IN: Nick Phipps, Cam Clark
OUT: Jake Gordon, Taqele Naiyaravoro
1. Tom Robertson
2. Tolu Latu
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Dean Mumm
5. David McDuling
6. Jack Dempsey
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Michael Wells
9. Nick Phipps
10. Bryce Hegarty
11. Rob Horne
12. Irae Simone
13. Israel Folau
14. Reece Robinson
15. Andrew Kellaway
Reserves
16. Hugh Roach
17. Paddy Ryan
18. David Lolohea
19. Senio Toleafoa
20. Maclean Jones
21. Matt Lucas
22. David Horwitz
23. Cameron Clark
