Four changes have been made to the NSW Waratahs starting team to face the Melbourne Rebels in round six of Super Rugby this Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium.

Benn Robinson and Hugh Roach have been brought into the starting squad for the first time in 2016, linking up with Angus Ta’avao in the front row.

David Horwitz and Matt Carraro move back into the starting side in place of Kurtley Beale and Rob Horne respectively, who have both been ruled out with injury this week.

Will Skelton re-joins the squad as a solid bolster off the bench together with Andrew Kellaway who has the opportunity to make his Super Rugby debut.

Former Western Force representative, USA international and current Manly Marlins Captain, James Hilterbrand has also been brought into the squad with the potential to play his first game for NSW as replacement hooker.

Fullback Israel Folau, who currently sits just one behind Lote Tuqiri as the highest try-scorer ever for NSW (29), will earn his 50th Super Rugby cap for the Waratahs in the match this weekend.

The team will wear rainbow shoelaces during the match as part of the inaugural ‘Rainbow Round of Sport, held from 31 March until 4 April, to show their support for stamping out homophobia in sport.

NSW Waratahs team to play Melbourne Rebels

Benn Robinson, Hugh Roach, Angus Ta’avao, Dean Mumm, David Dennis, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper, Jed Holloway, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Zac Guildford, David Horwitz, Matt Carraro, Reece Robinson, Israel Folau. Reserves: James Hilterbrand, Paddy Ryan, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, Sam Lousi, Wycliff Palu, Matt Lucas, Andrew Kellaway.