Taqele Naiyaravoro headlines the changes in the backline, shifting to the starting position on the left wing in place of Curtis Rona, who moves to outside centre. At halfback Jake Gordon is back after completing his return to play protocol.

“We have named a relatively unchanged forward pack. Jake Gordon who has returned to full fitness after obtaining a head knock. Taqele Naiyaravoro has been rewarded with more time after an excellent performance against the Rebels in round five. This means that Lalakai Foketi will drop to the bench and Curtis Rona will start at centre,” Gibson said.

The two interstate rivals will battle it out for the Dan Vickerman Cup and according to Gibson, it’s another opportunity for the NSW Waratahs to play in an Australian derby.

“The conference is incredibly tight. It makes every away game an opportunity to get points as it looks like every team is strong at home. Australian derbies are competitive and fierce and I see this one being no different. We’ve had a bye and so have the Brumbies, and it’s a time where you reflect on where you are at and where you can improve.”

1. Tom Robertson (31)

2. Damien Fitzpatrick (35)

3. Sekope Kepu (111)

4. Ned Hanigan (19)

5. Rob Simmons (2)

6. Michael Wells (19)

7. Michael Hooper (84, captain)

8. Jed Holloway (27)

9. Jake Gordon (35)

10. Bernard Foley (91, vice-captain)

11. Taqele Naiyaravoro (36)

12. Kurtley Beale (114)

13. Curtis Rona (4)

14. Israel Folau (79)

15. Bryce Hegarty (16)

Reserves:

16. Hugh Roach (33)

17. Harry Johnson-Holmes (4)

18. Paddy Ryan (95)

19. Tom Staniforth (4)

20. Will Miller (3)

21. Mitchell Short (2)

22. Lalakai Foketi (4)

23. Alex Newsome (4)