Horwitz at 12 for Waratahs' trans-Tasman clash

David Horwitz has been given the first chance to fill the Waratahs no. 12 spot in the wake of Kurtley Beale's injury.

Horwitz replaced Beale against the Bulls last weekend and the 21-year-old has been given the starting spot against the Crusaders on Friday night, with Beale out for up to six months.

The inside back started three games in the 12 at the beginning of the season, while Bernard Foley was out injured.

Jed Holloway will return to the starting lineup, replacing Wycliff Palu at number eight, after two weeks out with a shoulder injury, giving the Waratahs a timely backrow boost ahead of the trip to Christchuch.

The backline reshuffle has given a chance to out of form winger Zac Guildford to make an impression off the bench.

Hulking lock Will Skelton will play his 50th Waratahs match against the Crusaers on Friday night. 

The match will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports 2 (Channel 502) from 5:30pm AEST.

1. Paddy Ryan 

2. Tatafu Polota-Nau

3. Tom Robertson

4. David Dennis

5. Will Skelton

6. Dean Mumm

7. Michael Hooper 

8. Jed Holloway

9. Nick Phipps

10. Bernard Foley

11. Rob Horne

12. David Horwitz 

13. Israel Folau

14. Reece Robinson

15. Andrew Kellaway

Reserves

16. Angus Ta’avao

17. Hugh Roach

18. Jeremy Tilse

19. Sam Lousi 

20. Wycliff Palu

21. Matt Lucas

22. Matt Carraro

23. Zac Guildford