Waratahs v Sharks: Teams

Australia international Benn Robinson will make his captaincy debut for the Waratahs against the Sharks on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has been vice-captain for the last four matches and will be looking to lead his team to victory following last weekend's loss to the Force.

A return from flanker Wycliff Palu will also boost the team ahead of the weekend's clash in Sydney.

Coach Michael Foley has admitted his team need to up their game this weekend, saying: "There is no hiding from last weekend. We understand it was not good enough and no-one is looking to make excuses.

"But we will be looking to put things right this Saturday. Cliffy's (Wycliff Palu) return will be a real boost for the team. He is a world-class player and we'll be looking for him to have a big influence on the field.

"Benn is a well-respected leader amongst the group and in Daniel's absence he will captain the side," said Foley.

Dominant

Saturday's game marks the return of afternoon rugby for the first time in six years, along with the return of dominant centre Tom Carter.

"The introduction of Tom Carter at inside centre gives us a ball runner in midfield which we hope will help us better use the momentum we have been creating from set piece and force the opposition into making more tackles."

Heavyweight Timani brothers Lopeti and Sitaleki will be looking to play alongside each other for the first time as they are both named on the bench for the Waratahs.

Sarel Pretorius is also named on the bench as scrum-half Brendam McKibbin earns his first start.

"In Brendan and Sarel we are very fortunate to have two talented halves who share an ability to control the game," said Foley.

"Sarel has played four very physical matches for us, this is about getting the best out of the players we have on the field and we felt the time was right to make the change."

In contrast, the Sharks have only made one change to their side ahead of the Sydney showdown- a game that marks the start of their four-match overseas tour.

John Plumtree's men came back from a 17-0 deficit to beat the Reds 27-22 in their last game and the only change to his starting XV includes Jandre Marais in the second-row in place of Steven Sykes.

Although struggling with injury, Sykes has been deemed fit enough to fill a spot on the bench joining back up prop Nick Schonert and back-line cover Marius Joubert.

Waratahs: 15 Bernard Foley, 14 Tom Kingston, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson (c).
Replacements: John Ulugia, Paddy Ryan, Sitaleki Timani, Lopeti Timani, Jono Jenkins, Sarel Pretorius, Daniel Halangahu, Peter Betham, Brackin Kauraria-Henry.

Sharks:15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Tim Whitehead, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Anton Bresler , 4 Jandre Marais, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Nick Schonert, 18 Steven Sykes, 19 Jacques Botes, 20 Frederic Michalak, 21 Marius Joubert, 22 Louis Ludik.