Waratahs v Rebels: Teams
Berrick Barnes is set to return for the Waratahs while Jimmy Hilgendorf starts at fly-half for the Rebels on Saturday.
Last Updated: 28/04/11 11:49am
Berrick Barnes has been named in the Waratahs side to face the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.
The fly-half has been sidelined for the last four weeks but, providing he comes through a late fitness test, will make his comeback in Sydney.
His return means Kurtley Beale switches to full-back - though only if he himself shakes off a knee injury suffered against the Queensland Reds.
"We've been deliberately cautious with Berrick," said Waratahs head coach Chris Hickey.
"We haven't wanted to take any risks with his return and we believe we've done everything possible to ensure he's in the best possible shape to come back.
"He's confident, and he's definitely keen to get back out there and I know the team will get a big lift having him there."
Pack changes
Hickey has been forced to make changes in the pack as both Wycliff Palu and Phil Waugh have been ruled out with hamstring injuries.
Ben Mowen shifts to number eight while Dave Dennis moves into the blindside flanker role. Pat McCutcheon replaces Waugh in the number seven jersey.
Melbourne, meanwhile, have gone with Jimmy Hilgendorf at fly-half ahead of Danny Cipriani, who has to make do with a seat on the bench.
Hilgendorf gets his chance after damaging his AC joint in the opening round of the Super Rugby season in the reverse fixture against the Waratahs.
Mark Gerrard has been cleared to play and returns to the side at outside centre while the versatile Julian Huxley moves to full-back.
There is also a place in the starting XV for Peter Betham, with Cooper Vuna dropping down to the list of replacements.
Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Sosene Anesi, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Lachie Turner, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Pat McCutcheon, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Sitaleki Timani, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Al Baxter, 18 Kane Douglas, 19 Chris Alcock, 20 Brendan McKibbin, 21 Daniel Halangahu, 20 Tom Kingston.
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Lachlan Mitchell, 13 Mark Gerrard, 12 Stirling Mortlock (capt), 11 Peter Betham, 10 James Hilgendorf, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Gareth Delve, 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Jarrod Saffy, 5 Hugh Pyle, 4 Alister Campbell, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Rodney Blake.
Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Laurie Weeks, 18 Hoani Macdonald, 19 Tim Davidson, 20 Richard Kingi, 21 Cooper Vuna, 22 Danny Cipriani.
