Berrick Barnes could be rested against his wishes © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Berrick Barnes

Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby

Teams: Australia | New South Wales Waratahs

The Waratahs are prepared to wrap fly-half Berrick Barnes in cotton wool after a series of concussions, with the Wallabies playmaker set to miss next weekend's Super Rugby derby against the Western Force.

The 24-year-old took another knock to the head in his side's victory over the Brumbies in Canberra two weeks ago and was rested for Friday's win over the Chiefs as a result.

Barnes was medically cleared to play at Sydney Football Stadium but New South Wales coach Chris Hickey erred on the side of caution, installing fullback Kurtley Beale at stand-off for the first time since 2009 in a largely successful experiment.

"He was cleared last week medically but we just felt his welfare and the fact we've still got 12 weeks to go were factors in the decision making," Hickey told AAP. "He had his hand up to play, that was his attitude. He felt he was all good.

"It will be a matter of talking to Berrick Monday or Tuesday and seeing how he feels in himself. It's a decision we need to make for his welfare, both short-term and long-term."

The Waratahs are also awaiting further injury news on skipper Phil Waugh (calf), prop Benn Robinson (ribs) and winger Lachie Turner (elbow) prior to their meeting with the Force, who slipped to a surprise home defeat to the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday and have injury concerns of their own after flanker Matt Hodgson damaged his shoulder late on.

Meanwhile, Queensland Reds prop James Slipper will face a SANZAR judicial hearing in Cape Town on Monday after being cited for a dangerous tackle. The Wallabies tight-head was sin-binned for a tip tackle on Lions hooker Bandise Maku six minutes into the Reds' 30-25 victory in Johannesburg on Saturday.