Waratahs captain Rob Simmons has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with the Reds.
Simmons was named in the starting side on Thursday despite carrying a rib injury, given as much time as possible to be cleared fit.
The Waratahs confirmed on Friday afternoon that the second rower had fallen short of his fitness marks and would miss the clash.
Michael Hooper will captain the side in Simmons' place with Tom Staniforth starting and Jed Holloway on the bench.
The Waratahs are looking to add to their one-win season with an upset victory over the Reds.
The Reds take on the Waratahs on Saturday August 8 at the SCG, kicking off at 7:15pm AEST, LIVE on Foxtel, Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports. Buy tickets here. Buy a Kayo Sports subscription here.
TEAM
Waratahs to face Reds
IN: Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Tuala, Angus Bell, Hugh Sinclair
OUT: Joe Cotton, Chris Talakai, Rob Simmons, Mark Nawaqanitawase,
1. Tom Robertson
2. Tom Horton
3. Harry Johnson-Holmes
4. Ned Hanigan
5. Tom Stanifort
6. Lachie Swinton
7. Michael Hooper
8. Jack Dempsey
9. Jake Gordon
10. Will Harrison
11. Alex Newsome
12. Karmichael Hunt
13. Lalakai Foketi
14. James Ramm
15. Jack Maddocks
Reserves
16. Andrew Tuala
17. Angus Bell
18. Tetera Faulkner
19. Jed Holloway
20. Hugh Sinclair
21. Mitch Short
22. Joey Walton
23. Ben Donaldson
