NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has opted for size over speed for Friday night’s Super Rugby showdown with South Africa’s conference-leading Lions.

Gibson has recalled Tom Staniforth to partner Rob Simmons in the second row, pushing Ned Hanigan from lock to the back row and pacey flanker Will Miller to the bench.

“We see this game being extremely physical and we wanted to have some bigger bodies in the forward pack to cater for the big South African forward pack that presents on Friday night,” Gibson said on Wednesday.

“And also in the scrum, we see the Lions have a real strength there.”

In going with six forwards – and just two backs – on the bench, Gibson has covered injury concerns over Simmons (sternum) and No.8 Michael Wells (shoulder).

“They’ll be sore, there’s no doubt about that,” Gibson said.

“The Reds game, we made over 170 tackles so it was physical for us.

“That’s been the highest contact load of the year and we know we face an even bigger task ahead in terms of that contact zone.

“It’s a risk, always, going 6-2 because you’re one short in the backs but we want to take the risk.”

Unbeaten at home in 2018, the Waratahs are chasing a fifth straight win before enjoying a well-earned bye next week to ready themselves for a block of four games against New Zealand opposition.

NSW Waratahs: Bryce Hegarty, Alex Newsome, Curtis Rona, Kurtley Beale, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan, Rob Simmons, Tom Staniforth, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Tom Robertson. Reserves: Hugh Roach, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Nick Palmer, Jed Holloway, Will Miller, Nick Phipps, Lalakai Foketi.