Rugby: Waratahs recall Beale

Kurtley Beale has been named at second five-eighth for the Waratahs this weekend. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - The NSW Waratahs have recalled Kurtley Beale into their starting side for Saturday morning's (NZT) Super 14 clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

After being dropped as the Waratahs' first five-eighths four weeks ago, Beale has earned a recall at inside centre with Daniel Halangahu retaining the No 10 jersey.

Beale is one of four personnel changes for the Waratahs, who will be out for bonus points in the first match of their three-game South African tour.

Peter Playford has been promoted to the wing for his first start of the season, with Lachie Turner switching to fullback in place of Sam Norton-Knight, who is on the bench along with Tom Carter.

Wallabies prop Al Baxter will make his return from a calf injury in the only adjustment to the forward pack.

"The backline certainly has a new look to it and hopefully that will bring results on Friday," Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said.

"What we've come up with for this first match of the tour is something a little bit different, but the players we've selected have all trained in those positions and many have played there in games as well, so we're confident everyone can perform the roles we've asked them to.

Waratahs
Lachie Turner, Peter Playford, Timana Tahu, Kurtley Beale, Lote Tuqiri, Daniel Halangahu, Brett Sheehan, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Ben Mowen, Will Caldwell, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, Chris Thomson, Luke Doherty, Luke Burgess, Sam Norton-Knight, Tom Carter.

- AAP