Naiyaravoro returns for the Waratahs

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has made four changes to the starting line‑up that will take on the Rebels at Allianz Stadium tonight.

Fiji Born Taqele Naiyaravoro returns from injury and will be replacing Reece Robinson on the right wing, Lock Will Skelton, No 8 Michael Wells and halfback Nick Phipps all come off the bench into the starting side.

Gibson says the Waratahs are only too aware of the fact they are letting sides get away from them in the first half of their games and have been working to address that problem.

Uncertainty around the Melbourne franchise’s future in the competition has dominated the build up and even the Waratahs say they feel for their peers at the Rebels.

But monster lock Will Skelton — one of three Wallabies recalled to the NSW starting line up — said there can be no room for sentiment as the Waratahs strive to keep their finals hopes flickering.

The Tahs are five points adrift of the Brumbies in the race for Australian conference honours, making victory over the Rebels vital.

The Waratahs will take on the Rebels at 6.05 tonight.

In other matches Highlanders thrashed the Force 55-6 last night, the Brumbies defeated the kings 19-10 this morning.

The Sharks beat the Sunwolves 38-17, while the Lions thrashed the Bulls 51-14.

The Hurricanes beat the Cheetahs 61-7, Stormers outclassed Blues 30-22, while the Crusaders beat the Chiefs 31-24.

Source: Sports24