Nick Phipps and Will Skelton have both been ruled out of the Waratahs’ clash with the Lions.

Phipps (ankle) and Skelton (hamstring) were injured in training ovenight, just a day out of the clash.

Phipps will be replaced by Matt Lucas in the starting side, while Senio Toleafoa will have his first Waratahs start, coming in for Skelton.

Jake Gordon is in line for his Waratahs debut, coming on to the bench for Lucas and last year’ Queensland U20s captain, loose forward Maclean Jones, rounds out the 23.

Skelton was one of the Waratahs’ best in their opening clash against the Force and his physicality would have been crucial against the Lions.

The news is a fresh blow for the Waratahs, with flyhalf Bernard Foley already set to miss the match with concussion.

The Waratahs take on the Lions at 12:05am AEDT, LIVE on FOXSPORTS.

TEAM

Waratahs to play the Lions

1 Tom Robertson

2 Tolu Latu

3 Sekope Kepu

4 Dean Mumm

5. Senio Toleafoa

6. Jack Dempsey

7. Michael Hooper (C)

8. Michael Wells

9. Matt Lucas

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10. Bryce Hegarty

11.  Rob Horne

12. Irae Simone

13. Israel Folau

14. Reece Robinson

15. Andrew Kellaway

Reserves:           

16. Hugh Roach

17. Paddy Ryan

18. David Lolohea

19. David McDuling

20. Maclean Jones

21.Jake Gordon

22.David Horwitz

23. Taqele Naiyaravoro