Berrick Barnes has been dumped to the bench while captain Dave Dennis switches to No.8 in place of injured Wycliff Palu in the NSW Waratahs team for Friday’s Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders.

Coach Michael Cheika on Wednesday responded to last week’s loss to the Melbourne Rebels by reinstating Rob Horne at inside centre ahead of fellow Wallabies squad member Barnes and recalling Brendan McKibbin ahead of Matt Lucas at halfback.

The Waratahs remain in with a chance of making the six-team finals series but face a daunting task against the All Blacks-laden Crusaders in Christchurch where they have not won since 2004.

In the 19 previous meetings between the sides, NSW has won just four and has lost the last 10.

Fully recovered from a corked thigh, wing Cam Crawford returns to the starting side in place of Drew Mitchell.

With veteran forward Mitchell Chapman sustaining a medial ligament injury at training this week, 20-year-old backrower Jed Holloway comes onto the bench for a possible Super Rugby debut.

NSW Waratahs: Israel Folau, Cam Crawford, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Peter Betham, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, Dave Dennis (capt), Michael Cooper, Pat McCutcheon, Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, John Ulugia, Benn Robinson. Res: Luke Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Will Skelton, Jed Holloway, Matt Lucas, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell.