Waratahs v Reds: Teams

Australia prop Benn Robinson has been declared fit to take his place in the Waratahs line-up for Friday's clash with Queensland at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Robinson had been a doubt for the clash after sustaining a blow to his left knee which forced him from the field in the 34-16 victory over the Highlanders.

However head coach Chris Hickey said Robinson's inclusion was a boost for the team on the eve of one of the most important contests of the season.

"Benn's recovered quite well from the knock on the knee and is fit to take his place against the Reds,' said Hickey.

"We're expecting a strong contest up front, and a player with Benn's experience will add a lot to that contest."

Robinson will celebrate his 50th appearance for NSW in the Templeton Cup clash, with the only change to the team seeing Tatafu Polota-Nau back in the starting line-up with Adam Freier on the bench.

The Queensland Reds have shuffled their front row and recalled Charlie Fetoai to play the unbeaten Waratahs at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday.

Tighthead prop Dayna Edwards comes off the bench to relieve 2009 rookie Laurie Weeks, while Fetoai's recall moves Digby Ioane back to the wing in place of Brando Va'aulu (groin).

"We've rotated Dayna and Laurie to give Laurie a break - he's played a lot of footy already in what is only his first year as a full-time professional," head coach Phil Mooney said.

Mooney said Fetoai had been performing well before he was forced out of the game against the Stormers with a shoulder problem, and on his return played strongly for the Reds Academy 2nd XV in Sunday's curtain raiser against the Cheetahs, scoring two tries.

"Charlie's never been out of form and, with the opening provided by Brando's unfortunate injury, he's back in the side," Mooney said.

Waratahs: 15 Sam Norton-Knight, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh, 6 Ben Mowen, 5 Will Caldwell, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Dan Palmer, 18 Chris Thomson, 19 Dave Dennis, 20 Brett Sheehan, 21 Daniel Halangahu, 22 Timana Tahu.

Reds: 15 Mark McLinden, 14 Digby Ioane, 13 Charlie Fetoai, 12 Berrick Barnes (c), 11 Peter Hynes, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Ben Lucas, 8 Leroy Houston, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Hugh McMeniman, 4 Van Humphries, 3 Dayna Edwards, 2 Sean Hardman, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Laurie Weeks, 18 Adam Byrnes, 19 Poutasi Luafutu, 20 Will Genia, 21 Anthony Faingaa, 22 Blair Connor.