The NSW Waratahs will rest Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper for Saturday’s vital Super Rugby clash with the Blues in Auckland.

Hooper’s spell allows exciting young flanker Will Miller to make his first start of the season as the Waratahs attempt to bounce back from last week’s shock loss to the Sunwolves.

WARATAHS: Israel Folau, Cam Clark, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Karmichael Hunt, Alex Newsome, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Michael Wells, Will Miller, Jack Dempsey, Rob Simmons, Ned Hanigan, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Reserves: Andrew Tuala, Rory O’Connor, Chris Talakai, Tom Staniforth, Lachlan Swinton, Jake Gordon, Kurtley Beale, Lalakai Foketi.