Horne boost for Waratahs

Team captain David Dennis will celebrate his century milestone for the Waratahs, playing his 100th match for his home state after a decade of whole-hearted performances for the Waratahs.  

Dennis is one of three changes to the run-on team this week.

Horne makes his return to the starting XV on the wing after recovering from a hand injury suffered in Round Two earlier this year.

This weekend's match also sees Paddy Ryan back in the number one jersey, with Jeremy Tilse joining the reserves. Benn Robinson has been ruled out due to an eye injury suffered in last week's match against the Brumbies.

Tatafu-Polota-Nau has also been added to the bench, with the chance to become second highest Super-Rugby capped Waratah this Saturday. In doing so, Polota-Nau will pip former captain Phil Waugh (132) with 133 Super Rugby games. The two sit behind the Waratahs' highest capped Super Rugby player, Benn Robinson who has played 148 Super Rugby matches, all for the Waratahs.

The Waratahs travel to Perth tomorrow, before heading to South Africa ahead of their Round 10 match against the Stormers in Cape Town.

In addition to the team below, the touring party will include young utility back, Harry Jones and lock, Senio Toleafoa. Benn Robinson and Tolu Latu are due to join the team this Sunday, pending their injuries. Zac Guildford will play at club level in the Shute Shield this weekend as he makes his way back to full fitness after suffering from a broken toe.     

Waratahs: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Reece Robinson, 13 Israel Folau, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 Will Skelton, 4 David Dennis, 3 Tom Robertson, 2 Hugh Roach, 1 Paddy Ryan.    

Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Dean Mumm, 20 Wycliff Palu, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 David Horwitz, 23 Matt Carraro.

Date: Saturday, April 23

Venue: nib Stadium, Perth

Kick-off: 17.40 (19.40 AEST; 09.40 GMT)

Referee: Rohan Hoffmann

Assistant referees: Will Houston, Michael Hogan

TMO: Peter Marshall