Berrick Barnes will make his first start for the Waratahs in 2013 at inside centre on Friday

by Brendan Bradford –

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has delivered on his promise to wield the axe on under-performers with a raft of changes ahead of this Friday’s game against the Cheetahs at Allianz Stadium.

Backs Drew Mitchell and Tom Carter have been left out of the match-day 22 altogether with Lachie Turner and Peter Betham preferred on the flanks while Berrick Barnes returns from injury at inside centre and Israel Folau reverts to fullback. Ben Volavola moves back to the bench after starting in the 15 jersey last week against the Brumbies.

Barnes returns after sitting out the first three matches with a knee injury and will offer another playmaking option in addition to Bernard Foley at flyhalf. Conscious of not making too many wholesale changes in key areas, Cheika has kept the halves pairing of Foley and halfback Brendan McKibbin, who he says have been linking well in the opening month of competition.

Paddy Ryan has been rewarded for great form off the bench with a start against the Cheetahs
– Photo: Carl Peterson

After spending much of last season on the sidelines with injury, Betham headed to New Zealand in the offseason where he was a standout in the ITM Cup competition for Tasman and he hopes to bring that form to Moore Park as he seeks a permanent place in a Waratahs backline brimming with talent. Lachie Turner also spent large portions of 2012 on the physio’s table but his work ethic and versatility – he can play both wings, fullback and in the centres – has put him in the good books with Cheika.

Wallabies midfielder Rob Horne returns to the bench after an extended injury break while loose forward Pat McCutcheon starts at No. 8 in his first Super Rugby game in over a year. McCutcheon replaces the injured Wycliff Palu while Dave Dennis reverts to his favoured position of blindside flanker and Mitchell Chapman shifts to the bench.

Paddy Ryan has been rewarded for his outstanding efforts off the bench so far this season with a start at tighthead prop while Sekope Kepu has also been left out of the side.

Injured hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will be replaced by John Ulugia in the starting line-up with Luke Holmes on the bench. Interestingly, Ulugia made his Super Rugby debut for the Brumbies against the Cheetahs in 2006 while his Waratahs debut was against the same opposition two years ago.

Waratahs team to play the Cheetahs – Friday March, 15 at Allianz Stadium (kick-off 7:40)

1. Benn Robinson 2. John Ulugia 3. Paddy Ryan 4. Sitaleki Timani 5. Kane Douglas 6. Dave Dennis (c) 7. Michael Hooper 8. Pat McCutcheon 9. Brendan McKibbin 10. Bernard Foley 11. Peter Betham 12. Berrick Barnes 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper 14. Lachie Turner 15. Israel Folau

Replacements – 16. Luke Holmes 17. Jeremy Tilse 18. Mitchell Chapman 19. Lopeti Timani 20. Matt Lucas 21. Ben Volavola 22. Rob Horne