Polota-Nau returns to Tahs starting XV
Only one change has been made, with hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau making his return to the starting XV for the first time since Round Two this season, injecting some added experience to the front row.
This week also sees Bernard Foley become equal highest Super Rugby-capped flyhalf for the Waratahs, together with Daniel Halangahu on 59. He also now sits second for most number of conversions for NSW (95), behind Matt Burke on 184.
Dean Mumm remains in the No.6 jersey, with Jack Dempsey still out with a shoulder injury. Benn Robinson is recovering from surgery following an eye injury during the round eight match against the Brumbies.
Meanwhile. Tolu Latu has pulled up well from a hamstring injury suffered in Round Five and will join Zac Guildford in club rugby this weekend as they seek to return to full match fitness.
The Waratahs have won six out of their 10 matches against the Cheetahs. Their last encounter in South Africa in 2015 saw the Tahs secure a high-scoring 58-33, nine-try victory.
The team returned home this week after two successful victories on the road against the Western Force in Perth, and the Stormers in South Africa last weekend.
Waratahs: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Reece Robinson, 13 Israel Folau, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Dean Mumm, 5 Will Skelton, 4 David Dennis, 3 Tom Robertson, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Paddy Ryan.
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Wycliff Palu, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 David Horwitz, 23 Matt Carraro.
Date: Saturday, May 7
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.40 (11.40 SA time; 09.40 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Andrew Lees (Australia), Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
