Highlanders v Waratahs: Teams

Robbie Robinson and Matt Berquist are in doubt for struggling Highlanders' Super 14 clash against the Waratahs on Friday.

The fly-halves have been bracketed ahead of the Invercargill match, while injuries have already ruled out Tom Donnelly, Jamie Mackintosh, Michael Hobbs, Sean Romans and Jason Macdonald.

Waratahs are still in the race for a semi-final spot, but Highlanders hooker Jason Rutledge insists his side will not be intimidated.

"They started off really well and they might have gone off the boil a wee bit," said Rutledge.

"They're a good side and they'll be tough to beat but who knows what will happen in Invercargill? The way we played last weekend we can really take it to them and shake them up a bit.

"We were a lot more confrontational last week and I'd assume we would be looking at the same sort of plan for the Waratahs.

"Our aim for the rest of the season has to be three wins. We've got to move up that ladder. It would be nice to have some good wins and maybe sneak ahead of the Chiefs."

Comeback

Meanwhile, Tatafu Polota-Nau returns from injury for the Waratahs, but prop Benn Robinson is still a week off making his comeback.

Polota-Nau suffered damage to his shoulder in the round nine match against Crusaders which sidelined him for last Saturday's win over Brumbies.

He is restored to the starting XV at hooker in place of Adam Freier, who is absent after sustaining a hamstring injury in his return game.

In the only other change to the starting line-up, Dan Palmer steps in at loosehead prop for Sekope Kepu, who is out with a calf injury, while Jeremy Tilse is named as the backup prop.

"It's good to get Tatafu back considering we've got three other international front rowers who weren't available for selection," said coach Chris Hickey.

"Your depth gets tested when you suffer injuries in similar positions, but Dan Palmer showed in the last 15 minutes at the Brumbies that he's certainly up to the task at loosehead."

Hickey has made two changes on the bench, with Chris Thomson named in the 22-man squad for the first time this year, while Patrick McCutcheon is the reserve back-rower.

Waratahs will also be without injury plagued outside-centre Rob Horne, who is sidelined for the second successive week with a buttock strain.

"Rob's frustratingly close to being right and again because of his previous history we're a little conservative in managing him," said Hickey.

"He'll stay here and train for the week and assuming that he gets through everything that he's set to do there then he is a possible selection for the Chiefs game."

Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Kenny Lynn, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Robbie Robinson/Mat Berquist, 9 Jimmy Cowan (c), 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thompson, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Chris King.
Replacements: 16 Peter Mirrielees, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Joe Tuineau, 19 John Hardie, 20 Scott Cowan, 21 Matt Berquist/Robbie Robinson, 22 James Paterson.

Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Tom Carter, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Josh Holmes, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Phil Waugh, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm (c), 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Dan Palmer.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Chris Thomson, 19 Patrick McCutcheon, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Rory Sidey, 22 Sosene Anesi.