Horne starts at inside centre

Rob Horne will start at inside centre on Sunday, as the Waratahs host the Blues at Allianz Stadium.

The Southern Districts centre will take the place of injured playmaker Berrick Barnes and wear the No.12 jersey, lining up alongside Adam Ashley-Cooper in the midfield.

Barnes dislocated his thumb in last Friday's game against the Cheetahs.

In the only other change to the starting XV, Drew Mitchell returns to the side and will start on the left wing, with impressive newcomer Peter Betham switching to No.14.

On to the bench for the big afternoon clash come Wallaby prop Sekope Kepu who replaces Jeremy Tilse, Jed Holloway in for Lopeti Timani and Tom Kingston, who takes Horne's place.

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Peter Betham, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Rob Horne, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Pat McCutcheon, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis (captain), 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 John Ulugia, 1 Benn Robinson.

Replacements: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Mitchell Chapman, 19 Jed Holloway, 20 Matt Lucas, 21 Ben Volavola, 22 Tom Kingston.

Date: Sunday, March 24

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Kick-off: 16.05 (05.05 GMT)

Referee: Francisco Pastrana (Argentina)

Assistant referees: Steve Walsh (Australia), Will Houston (Australia)

TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)