Former Australian sevens captain Bernard Foley has replaced Wallabies star Adam Ashley-Cooper at fullback for NSW’s Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Foley’s promotion from the bench, forcing Ashley-Cooper to wing, is the only change to the Waratahs’ starting side that lost on the bell to Queensland in round one.
Winger Brackin Karauria-Henry has been relegated to the bench.
“Bernard made an immediate impact when he came on against the Reds on Saturday,” NSW coach Michael Foley said.
“His form was also evident during our trial matches and he’s been rewarded with a start against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night.
“As a team, we’ve identified the things we did well last weekend and the things that undermined us.”
The Waratahs will again be without Berrick Barnes, who has been given another week to fully overcome a groin injury, with stand-in captain Daniel Halangahu remaining at five-eighth.
NSW Waratahs: Bernard Foley, Tom Kingston, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Daniel Halangahu (capt), Sarel Pretorius, Wycliff Palu, Chris Alcock, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Paddy Ryan, Lopeti Timani, Jono Jenkins, Brendan McKibbin, Brackin Karauria-Henry, Nathan Trist.