An ankle injury has ruled Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps out of the NSW Waratahs’ must-win Super Rugby match against the Chiefs.

Jake Gordon, who scored two tries after replacing Phipps against the Highlanders last week, will come into the starting side for Saturday’s match in Hamilton.

Halfback Matt Lucas, who is joining the team on Thursday, will come onto the bench along with new Wallabies squad backrower Jack Dempsey, who will play his first Super game since he suffered a foot injury back in round four.

Waratahs team: Israel Folau, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Cam Clark, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan, Will Skelton, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson, Replacements: Damien Fitzpatrick, Paddy Ryan, Angus Taavao, David McDuling, Jed Holloway, Jack Dempsey , Matt Lucas, Bryce Hegarty.