Jacques Potgieter will start at No 6 in the Waratahs' clash against the Melbourne Rebels on Friday.

Coach Michael Cheika has decided to reshuffle his second and back rows. Potgieter moves from lock to flank, while captain Dave Dennis shifts to No 8.

Will Skelton takes Potgieter's place at lock, and Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu is brought into the starting side.

Scrumhalf Nick Phipps will start for the first time this season. Phipps made the move from Melbourne to Sydney after the 2013 Vodacom Super Rugby competition.

Waratahs – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Peter Betham, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Dave Dennis (c), 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Jacques Potgieter, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Sekope Kepu. Subs: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Benn Robinson, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Stephen Hoiles, 21 Brendan McKibbin, 22 Rob Horne, 23 Matt Carraro, 24 Pat McCutcheon, 25 Jonno Lance.

Photo: Mark Kolbe/ Getty Images