Waratahs get much-needed Wallaby injection

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs will take on the Brumbies at ANZ Stadium this Saturday in Round 3 of Super Rugby AU.

Head Coach, Rob Penney has named his squad for the clash, making a number of changes to the side that defeated the Western Force 23-14 at the SCG.

It's the NSW Waratahs second successive game on home soil, as they welcome back Tom Robertson from injury, with Karmichael Hunt and Jack Dempsey also returning to the starting side.

It's a significant injection of experience for Penney, with Hunt making a successful return from injury off the bench in Round 2. He'll partner Joey Walton in midfield, with Alex Newsome shifting to the wing in place of Mark Nawaqnaitawse.

The wing joins a slew of Junior Wallabies on the reserves with Will Harris, Angus Bell, Ben Donaldson and Michael McDonald all on the bench.

It's an all Sydney University front row in Round 3, with Tom Horton making his first professional start after coming off the bench in the opening two rounds of the competition.

Waratahs: 15 Jack Maddocks, 14 James Ramm, 13 Joey Walton, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Will Harrison, 9 Mitch Short, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Rob Simmons (captain), 4 Ned Hanigan, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Tom Horton, 1 Tom Robertson.

Replacements: 16 Robbie Abel, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Angus Bell, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Will Harris, 21 Michael McDonald, 22 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 23 Ben Donaldson.

Date: Saturday, July 18

Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Kick-off: 19.15 (09.15 GMT)

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant referees: Amy Perrett, Reuben Keane

TMO: James Leckie