Palu packs down in 'Tahs scrum
The only other change to the starting XV comes at hooker, where Tolu Latu has been drafted in for the injured Tatafu Polota-Nau, after he fractured his arm during the Waratahs' Round Two match against the Brumbies.
The backline remains unchanged for the highly-anticipated battle between the 2014 and 2015 Super Rugby Champions. Former NRL flyer, Reece Robinson has been given another chance to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench, in what is expected to be a fast-paced spectacle.
The reserves list has been boosted with local front row forward, Hugh Roach and emerging prospect, Tom Robertson, who also has the opportunity to make his first Super Rugby appearance for the Waratahs.
Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Matt Carraro, 13 Rob Horne, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 David Dennis, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Paddy Ryan.
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Jed Holloway, 21 Jack Dempsey, 22 Matt Lucas, 23 Reece Robinson.
Date: Friday, March 18
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.45 AEDT (08.45 GMT, 21.45 NZ Time)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: James Leckie (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)