Waratahs name strong XV to face Force

The Waratahs have named a strong starting line-up for their Super Rugby opener with the Western Force in Sydney on Saturday.

Head coach Daryl Gibson has made two changes to his starting line-up which beat the Highlanders in their final warm-up match last weekend.

Both changes are in the back-line where experienced Wallaby Nick Phipps replaces Jake Gordon at scrum-half while another Australia international Rob Horne takes over from Harry Jones on the left wing.

In other interesting selections, first-choice Wallaby full-back Israel Folau starts at outside centre while Andrew Kellaway will wear the number 15 jersey while rookie loose forward Michael Wells starts at number eight.

Wells will be joined in the back-row by Michael Hooper, who captains the side, and Jack Dempsey while Will Skelton and Dean Mumm start in the second-row.

Elsewhere, hooker Tolu Latu pack down alongside props Sekope Kepu and Tom Robertson in the front-row while Bernard Foley starts at fly-half.

Waratahs: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Reece Robinson, 13 Israel Folau, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Tom Robertson 
Replacements (one to be omitted): 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Paddy Ryan, 18 David Lolohea, 19 Ned Hanigan, 20 Brad Wilkin, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 24 David Horwitz

Date: Saturday, February 25
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19:45 local (08:45 GMT)
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe 
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner, Will Houston
TMO: Ian Smith