The Waratahs have made just one change to their team for the clash with the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday with former Australian Sevens captain Bernard Foley starting at fullback.

Foley was impressive when he came on towards the end of the Waratahs' opening match against the Reds last week and he takes over from Wallaby utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper who moves across to the left wing.

Waratahs coach Michael Foley said that the Sevens star added a spark last week and deserves an opportunity to show what he can do in the starting line-up.

"Bernard made an immediate impact when he came on against the Reds on Saturday," said Foley. "His form was also evident during our trial matches and he's been rewarded with a start against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night."

Foley will be measured against Wallaby fullback Kurtley Beale who left the Waratahs for the Rebels at the end of last season and will make his Super Rugby debut for his new side against his old team this weekend.

The Waratahs boss said that his team would need to focus on their discipline and decision-making if they are to bounce back from the heartbreaking, last-gasp loss to the Reds last week.

"As a team, we’ve identified the things we did well last weekend and the things that undermined us. Our focus now is improving our discipline at the breakdown and our decision making around our game," said Foley. 

With Berrick Barnes given another week to fully recover from his niggling groin injury flyhalf Daniel Halangahu will lead the team once more, while Pat McCutcheon was also not considered having uffered a calf strain last week.

Foley the coach said that there was no chance his side would be underestimating the Rebels who picked up the Wooden Spoon last season.

"This is another derby match for us," added Waratahs coach.  "We have a lot of respect for the Rebels who have clearly worked hard during their pre-season, as was evident by their trial form."

Waratahs: 15 Bernard Foley, 14 Tom Kingston, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Daniel Halangahu (captain), 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 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 Brackin Karauria-Henry, 22 Nathan Trist.

Date: Friday, March 2
Venue: AAMI Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.40 (08.40 GMT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Andrew Lees (Australia), Angus Gardner (Australia)
TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)