Beale replaces Folau at fullback for Waratahs

Sydney - Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has announced his side to tackle the Melbourne Rebels in a Super Rugby clash at the SCG on Saturday.

Kurtley Beale will start at fullback in place of Israel Folau, whose career is in doubt as he awaits his code of conduct hearing after making anti-gay comments.

Returning for the Waratahs is their captain Michael Hooper who will celebrate his 100th Waratahs match. Also celebrating a milestone will be Jed Holloway who will play his 50th game for the Waratahs, returning to the starting XV after a rib injury.

Saturday’s clash is scheduled for 11:45 (SA time).

Teams:

Waratahs

15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Cam Clark, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Harry Johnson-Holmes.

Substitutes: 16 Andrew Tuala, 17 Rory O’Connor, 18 Chris Talakai, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Will Miller, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Curtis Rona

Rebels

TBA