Waratahs v Brumbies: Teams

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey is prepared to give forwards Tatafu Polota-Nau and Benn Robinson until kick-off to prove their fitness for Saturday's vital Super 14 clash with the Brumbies in Sydney.

Prop Robinson and hooker Polota-Nau, who were both injured in the Waratahs' Round Nine loss to the Crusaders, are continuing to receive intensive treatment in a bid to be ready for a match which will have a huge bearing on the finals make-up.

The Waratahs head into the game in fifth place, with the Brumbies in sixth.

Sekope Kepu and Dan Palmer are on stand-by for Robinson, with Damien Fitzpatrick or Adam Freier in line to replace Polota-Nau.

Backline stars Berrick Barnes and Lachie Turner also have fitness concerns after both were floored by a stomach virus this week.

Centre Rob Horne is suffering from a buttock injury and is being closely monitored, although Hickey expects all three backs to be passed fit to play.

Brumbies changes

The Brumbies have made five changes to their starting XV as head coach Andy Friend says every game from now on in is a must-win for his side.

Outside centre Andrew Smith and openside flanker Colby Faingaa are in line to make their starting debuts after both were named on the bench last weekend against the Hurricanes.

Smith's inclusion sees utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper return to the wing in place of Alfie Mafi, who will start from the reserves list. Faingaa's maiden run-on start comes at the expense of fellow 18-year-old breakaway Michael Hooper, who will start as a run-on reserve.

After missing last week's fixture through injury, scrum-half Josh Valentine and lock Mitchell Chapman are ready to make their return to the ACT run-on XV.

Valentine has recovered from a hamstring ailment to replace Patrick Phibbs while Chapman has overcome a hip injury and will start in favour of Ben Hand.

Chapman will pack down alongside Wallaby lock Mark Chisholm who has retained his place in the Brumbies' second row.

Brumbies Academy and Australian Sevens star Brackin Karauria-Henry has again been included on the bench and is still in line for his Super 14 debut, after not being required against the Hurricanes.

Waratahs squad: Chris Alcock, Sosene Anesi, Al Baxter, Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Will Caldwell, Tom Carter, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Damien Fitzpatrick, Adam Freier, Daniel Halangahu, Josh Holmes, Rob Horne, Sekope Kepu, Drew Mitchell, Ben Mowen, Dean Mumm, Dan Palmer, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Rory Sidey, Lachie Turner, Phil Waugh (captain).

Brumbies: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Pat Mcbe, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Tyrone Smith, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (c), 7 Colby Faingaa, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Mitchell Chapman, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Ben Hand, 19 Michael Hooper, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Brackin Karauria-Henry, 22 Alfie Mafi.