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
