Ben Donaldson will start at flyhalf for the first time in 2023 as the Waratahs look to rebound against the Hurricanes.
Darren Coleman has made a number of changes following their disappointing defeat to the Rebels, moving the Wallabies incumbent back to his preferred position.
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This frees up Max Jorgensen to shift to fullback after the 18-year-old missed last week's match with a shoulder complaint, with Tane Edmed moving to the bench
The Waratahs have won just two from six games employing the Edmed/Donaldson two-playmaker system, with Coleman looking to switch up their attack.
“Max Jorgensen’s return enables us to look at a change at number ten,” Coleman said
“We’re comfortable with Tane’s performances this season, he’s performed solidly, we’re just looking to see if Ben Donaldson in his more natural position at ten can add another dimension to our attack."
Jed Holloway (personal) and Hugh Sinclair (shoulder) will miss the trip to New Zealand, which sees the returning Ned Hanigan and Taleni Seu form a new-look lock partnership.
Newly re-signed flanker Charlie Gamble comes back into the starting side, slotting into the back-row with Michael Hooper and Langi Gleeson.
Gamble inked a new one-year extension with the Waratahs that will keep him at Daceyville until 2024.
“It’s pretty exciting to stay here for another year,” Gamble said.
“I love this city and the boys here, everything about it is very exciting to see where it all goes.
“They’ve always given me the opportunity I’ve dreamt of as a kid so pretty keen to pay it back.”
Gamble will be charged with helping contain Ardie Savea, with the Hurricanes captain returning following his suspension.
"Ardie is probably the best player in the world," Gamble said.
"When you can limit a player like that, you have to do it but there are going to be parts of the game he'll do some outstanding stuff on the field and it's about limiting that.
"It's pretty exciting to play someone of that quality and only good for the game to have him on the field."
WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Ned Hanigan, Taleni Seu, Charlie Gamble, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Nemani Nadolo, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen
RESERVES: Tolu Latu, Sateki Latu, Dan Botha, Lachie Swinton, Will Harris, Harrison Goddard, Tane Edmed, Mosese Tuipulotu
