Ryan, Mitchell start against Brumbies
Paddy Ryan will make his fourth start this season in the Waratahs' all-Australian derby with the Brumbies this Saturday.
Ryan's inclusion at tighthead prop in place of Sekope Kepu is one of two changes to the side that last week overpowered the Stormers, with Drew Mitchell also elevated from the bench in place of Peter Betham.
The game is NSW's first of the season at ANZ Stadium and coach Michael Cheika's first visit to the venue.
"There's always something special about these Australian derby games because there's so much rivalry built up over all the years of playing each other," Cheika said.
"With the Brumbies also leading the competition, this is a very important game for us," the coach added.
Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Cam Crawford, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Rob Horne, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Will Skelton, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Matt Lucas, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Peter Betham.
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)