Waratahs v Brumbies semi-final preview

This Super Rugby season will be guaranteed an Australian finalist as table toppers NSW Waratahs welcome the Brumbies to Sydney.
The Waratahs have never won the championship but finished the round-stage seven points clear of the Crusaders and boast an unbeaten home record (8 out of 8). The Brumbies will be looking to reach their second final in as many years after defeat to the Chiefs twelve months ago.
Super Rugby top try scorer Israel Folau has overcome a slight thigh injury to return at full-back, with wing Rob Horne also coming back into the side having recovered from flu to complete the regular back three.
Michael Cheika makes a tactical switch to the forwards and shifts Wallaby lock Will Skelton to the bench in favour of South African Jacques Potgieter.
The Brumbies have no new injury news and have the concerns only of long-term absentees Stephen Moore and David Pocock
Waratahs: Folau; Alofa, Ashley-Cooper, Beale, Horne; Foley, Phipps; Robinson, Polota-Nau, Kepu; Potgieter, Douglas; Hoiles, Hooper (Capt.), Palu.
Replacements (two to be omitted in due course): Latu, Ryan, Tilse, Skelton, Chapman, McCutcheon, McKibbin, Naiyaravoro, Carraro,  Crawford
Brumbies: Mogg; Speight, Kuridrani, Leali’ifano, Coleman; Toomua, White; Sio, Mann-Rea, Alexander; Power, Carter; Fardy, Butler, Mowen (Capt).
Replacements: Murphy, Smith, Alaalatoa, Auelua, McVerry, Dowsett, Tomane, McCabe
ADAM ELLIS