New recruit Sarel Pretorius will face off against Will Genia as the South African pocket rocket makes his Waratahs Super Rugby debut against the Reds in Sydney on Saturday.

Last year's leading try-scorer, Pretorius, joins an all-star backline that also includes fellow newcomer Adam Ashley-Cooper.

The pair hope to mark their debuts in the sky blue with a win over defending champions and arch rivals the Queensland Reds in a blockbuster opener to the Super Rugby season that celebrates 130 years of fierce interstate rivalry.

The NSW run on team features seven Wallabies, but there is one notable absence - with star playmaker Berrick Barnes unable to recover from a groin strain that forced him from the field in last week's trial match.

Instead, Daniel Halangahu will step up to the starting XV, assuming the No.10 jersey and the captaincy, with returning Wallabies prop Benn Robinson named vice captain.

"Our pre-season focus has been on preparing all players for the start of the season and for the role they play within the team," said coach Michael Foley.

"Berrick and Daniel shared the captaincy and No.10 duties in both our trial matches and both were well placed to lead us in the first match. We're confident in Daniel's abilities as a player and a leader.

"Our focus is on the talent we do have and across the squad we have good depth in all positions.

"I'm looking forward to Adam and Sarel providing the influence that is expected of them on the field.

"Scrumhalves touch the ball more than anyone else so Sarel is a key decision maker for us. In our two trial matches he's looked a constant threat and has proven his communication skills. Adam is a class player who brings experience, versatility and attacking ability to our outside backs," he added.

The match also sees wing Brackin Karauria-Henry return to Super Rugby action for the first time in over a year, after the 23-year-old New Zealand-born, former Australian Sevens star was sidelined by a back injury.

If they take to the field, replacements Jono Jenkins (Sydney University flank) and extended playing squad wing Nathan Trist will also make their NSW debuts.

"When an opportunity is provided, such as it is on Saturday, I've no doubt that the players asked to step up will take their opportunities. 

"For Brackin and Tom, to get a start in round one is a fantastic opportunity for both of them. Each have worked hard throughout the pre-season and put in good trial match performances."

Billed as ‘Rivalry Round,' the fierce interstate rivalry between the Waratahs and Queensland Reds is one of Australian sport's oldest sporting rivalries and dates back 130 years to the birth of the NSW Waratahs. Fans can expect plenty of action as the two states battle it out in the latest encounter. And with the scores at one apiece last season, there's plenty to play for.

Waratahs: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Tom Kingston, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Brackin Karauria-Henry, 10 Daniel Halangahu (captain), 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Dean Mumm, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Paddy Ryan, 18 Lopeti Timani, 19 Jono Jenkins, 20 Brendan McKibbin, 21 Bernard Foley, 22 Nathan Trist.

Date: Saturday, February 25
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.40 (08.40 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Ian Smith (Australia), Angus Gardner (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)