NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson says there's a nice balance to his new centre combination of Kurtley Beale and Karmichael Hunt, though the latter has little experience in the No.13 jersey.
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Beale, who was rested for the Waratahs' first Super Rugby game, comes in at inside centre for Saturday's away clash with the Sunwolves, in the only change to the run-on side.
Hunt moves from the No.12 jersey to outside centre, in place of Adam Ashley-Cooper, who is recovering from a head knock but will travel with the team and has been bracketed for a bench spot.
"With Karmichael and KB in the middle I think we believe we've got a nice balance there,' Tahs' coach Daryl Gibson said..
"KB is very motivated. He made a clear point to me last week when he ran his best time in the 1.2 saying that he's ready."
"With Karmichael coming into the team I think the two can develop a really good combination there.
"Karmichael hasn't played a great deal at outside centre but the way we're going to use him I think their skills will complement each other."
Gibson stressed Beale wouldn't be moved out of the frontline of the defence as had sometimes happened in previous seasons.
"We won't be shifting KB, he's got a role to play there on defence and he's really brought into how we try and defend this season and the systems we're trying to put into place," he said.
"With Karmichael, the two can be a good defending unit."
Asked about Hunt contending with speedy opponents in the key defensive role of outside centre, Gibson admitted "that's going to be the challenge for him to see how he goes there."
Gibson said the Waratahs would look to smarten up their attack and reduce the silly penalties that were issues in their opening round loss to the Hurricanes.
To add to the occasion, Michael Hooper will bring up his half century as skipper on Saturday, while Gibson also mark his 50th game in charge.
WARATAHS: Israel Folau, Alex Newsome, Karmichael Hunt, Kurtley Beale, Curtis Rona, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan, Rob Simmons, Jed Holloway, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Res: Tolu Latu, Rory O'Connor, Chris Talakai, Lachlan Swinton, Will Miller, Mitch Short, Mack Mason, Cam Clark/Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Australian Associated Press
