Bernard Foley to lead Waratahs against Rebels

Australia international Bernard Foley has been appointed the captain of New South Wales Waratahs for the upcoming Super Rugby clash against Melbourne Rebels on Friday.

The decision to appoint Foley comes after Michael Hooper is unavailable for the next four weeks following a hamstring injury that he sustained during the Test series against Ireland.

Apart from Foley's captaincy move, Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has made two other changes with Ned Hanigan making a comeback from injury and Will Miller taking the place of injured Hooper.

“It’s a great opportunity for Bernard to grow as a leader,” Gibson.

Israel Folau has been named at fullback despite a one-game suspension and subsequent appeal by Rugby Australia.

Waratahs: Israel Folau, Cam Clark, Curtis Rona, Kurtley Beale, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Bernard Foley (c), Nick Phipps, Michael Wells, Will Miller, Ned Hanigan, Rob Simmons, Jed Holloway, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Tom Robertson

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Tom Staniforth, Brad Wilkin, Jake Gordon, Bryce Hegarty, Alex Newsome