The Waratahs have been forced into a late backline reshuffle, with Karmichael Hunt ruled out of Friday's Brumbies match.
Hunt suffered a hamstring injury at training on Wednesday, forcing him out of the side to travel to Canberra.
Kurtley Beale moves to inside centre with Israel Folau back to fullback and Curtis Rona, who was initially rested, starts on the right wing.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson described the issue as "minor" and expected him to be back in action for next week's trans-Tasman encounter with the Crusaders.
"It's a very minor injury, one that won't heal in two days but he should be right for next week," Gibson said.
"He's really added something different to our team, that real tough edge that we wanted him to bring.
"He's been going well and I'm sure with a limited layoff he'll be back good to go."
While Hunt's absence is a blow for the Waratahs, that they can switch Beale and Folau into their first-choice spots in his absence is a luxury that Gibson is glad to have.
"Kurtley's been itching for a crack at his preferred position, Israel goes back to his so it's an easy shift for us," Gibson
The Waratahs take on the Brumbies on Friday March 15, kicking off at 7:45pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
1. Harry Johnson-Holmes
2. Damien Fitzpatrick
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Jed Holloway
5. Rob Simmons
6. Ned Hanigan
7. Michael Hooper
8. Jack Dempsey
9. Jake Gordon
10. Bernard Foley
11. Alex Newsome
12. Kurtley Beale
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14.Curtis Rona
15. Israel Folau
Reserves
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. Rory O'Connor
18. Chris Talakai
19. Ryan McCauley
20. Lachlan Swinton
21. Nick Phipps
22. Mack Mason
23. Cam Clark
