Waratahs make mass late changes against Blues

The NSW Waratahs will be heading to Auckland looking to cause an upset over the Blues.

The Waratahs are coming off a shock defeat to Moana Pasifika in Sydney, spoiling Michael Hooper's final home game.

They have made several late changes, with Tane Edmed starting at flyhalf. It pushes Ben Donaldson to fullback and Mark Nawaqanitawase to the winger whilst Izaia Perese partners Joey Walton in the centres as Lalakai Foketi moves to the bench.

In the forwards, Nephi Leatigaga starts at tight-head prop, with Tolu Latu, Dan Botha and Hugh Sinclair coming onto the bench.

As for the Blues, All Black Beauden Barrett is a welcome inclusion after recovering from a foot injury, whilst Patrick Tuipulotu has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a broken arm.

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Tom Robinson, James Tucker, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan

RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta

WARATAHS (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Nephi Leatigaga, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper (c), Langi Gleeson, Harrison Goddard, Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Donaldson

RESERVES: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Dan Botha, Taleni Seu, Hugh Sinclair, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Lalakai Foketi

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe