Waratahs v Hurricanes: Teams

The Waratahs will be without Benn Robinson and Sosene Anesi for the clash with the Hurricanes at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Robinson is ruled out with an arm injury so is replaced by Dan Palmer, while a shoulder problem means that Anesi is sidelined, with Jeremy Tilse coming into the starting XV.

The Brumbies need a win to ensure their place in the top four, with the Hurricanes breathing down their necks.

And coach Chris Hickey knows how important a win is for his side.

"It's always been the case that if you can win all of your home games in a Super 14 season then you'll be in with a good chance of making the finals and that goes on the line on Friday," said Hickey told the club's official site.

"With the Hurricanes also in contention for the semis this match becomes vital for both teams and hopefully will attract a crowd worthy of such a big game.

The Hurricanes are sweating over the fitness of scrum-half Piri Weepu after he limped out of training with an ankle injury.

Tyson Keats has been put on standby to start with Chris Eaton ready to provide cover from the bench should Weepu fail to recover in time.

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith has been passed fit for the must-win clash, however Victor Vito has failed to overcome his calf strain.

Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10. Berrick Barnes, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Patrick McCutcheon, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Dan Palmer.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Chris Thomson, 19 Dave Dennis, 20 Josh Holmes, 21 Daniel Halangahu, 22 Rory Sidey.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Piri Weepu, 1 John Schwalger, 2 Andrew Hore, 3 Neemia Tialata, 4 Bryn Evans, 5 Jeremy Thrush, 6 Michael Paterson, 7 Karl Lowe, 8 Rodney So'oialo.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Nick Crosswell, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Jason Kawau/Willie Ripia, 22 David Smith.