Cheika reinstates Robinson

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has made two changes to the starting team to play the Rebels in a Super Rugby Round Three match on Friday.

Wallabies prop Benn Robinson returns to the front row in place of Jeremy Tilse, whilst Mitchell Chapman takes over from Sitaleki Timani in the second row.

Jeremy Tilse was surprisingly preferred to 54-Test veteran, Robinson, for last Saturday's season-opening 17-25 loss to the Reds in Brisbane.

However, Cheika restored Robinson to loosehead prop ahead of Tilse, after he impressed in coming off the bench against the Reds.

Timani also drops to the bench.

Israel Folau was retained at fullback despite a scrappy debut when he struggled at times with his handling and defensive positioning.

Another Wallaby veteran, utility back Berrick Barnes, is again missing through injury. Barnes failed to recover from a knee injury in time as the Waratahs aim to halt a losing streak of nine Super Rugby games dating back to April last year.

Their last win was a 30-21 victory over the Rebels in Sydney.

The match will see the teams contest the Weary Dunlop Shield for the fifth time.

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Tom Kingston, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Mitchell Chapman, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.

Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Sitaleki Timani, 20 Lopeti Timani, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 Ben Volavola.

Date: Friday, March 1

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Kick-off: 19.25 EDT (08.25 GMT)

Referee: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)

Assistant referees: James Leckie (Australia), Ed Martin (Australia)

TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)