Robinson packs down for Tahs

The Waratahs' highest-ever capped player, Benn Robinson and rampaging hooker, Hugh Roach have been brought into the starting squad for the first time in 2016, linking up with Angus Ta'avao in the front row.

David Horwitz and Matt Carraro move back into the starting side in place of Kurtley Beale and Rob Horne respectively, who have both been ruled out with injury this week.

Will Skelton re-joins the squad as a solid bolster off the bench together with Andrew Kellaway who has the opportunity to make his Super Rugby debut.  

Former Western Force representative, USA international and current Manly Marlins Captain, James Hilterbrand has also been brought into the squad with the potential to play his first game for the Waratahs as replacement hooker.

Fullback Israel Folau, who currently sits just one behind Lote Tuqiri as the highest try-scorer ever for the Waratahs (29), will earn his 50th Super Rugby cap for the Waratahs in the match this weekend.

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Reece Robinson, 13 Matt Carraro, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 David Dennis, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Hugh Roach, 1 Benn Robinson.     

Replacements: 16 James Hilterbrand, 17 Paddy Ryan, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Sam Lousi, 21 Wycliff Palu, 22 Matt Lucas, 23 Andrew Kellaway.

Date: Sunday, April 3

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Kick-off: 16.05 (06.05 GMT)

Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)

Assistant referees: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia), Michael Hogan (Australia)

TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)