Super Rugby
No Barnes, but Robinson back for 'Tahs
February 28, 2013
Berrick Barnes in pre-season training with the Waratahs, Centenial Park, Sydney, Australia, January 7, 2013
Berrick Barnes has failed to recover from a knee injury and is sidelined again. © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Berrick Barnes | Benn Robinson
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Wallabies prop Benn Robinson has been recalled to New South Wales Waratahs starting team for Friday night's Super Rugby clash against Melbourne Rebels but Berrick Barnes is again missing through injury.

Jeremy Tilse was surprisingly preferred to 54-Test veteran Robinson for last Saturday night's season-opening 25-17 loss to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. But on Wednesday, coach Michael Cheika restored Robinson to loose-head prop ahead of Tilse after he impressed in coming off the bench against the Reds.

Mitchell Chapman is the only other change to the starting side, coming into the second-row in place of injured Wallabies lock Sitaleki Timani, who was originally dropped to the bench for the Allianz Stadium encounter but has now been ruled out. Greg Peterson comes on to the bench in place of Timani.

Israel Folau was retained at fullback despite a scrappy debut when he struggled at times with his handling and defensive positioning.

Barnes failed to recover from a knee injury in time as the Waratahs aim to halt a losing streak of nine Super Rugby games dating back to April last year.

Their last win was a 30-21 victory over the Rebels at Allianz Stadium.

Waratahs - revised line-up: Israel Folau, Tom Kingston, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tom Carter, Drew Mitchell, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis (capt), Kane Douglas, Mitchell Chapman, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Replacements: John Ulugia, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Greg Peterson, Lopeti Timani, Matt Lucas, Ben Volavola.

© AAP

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