Michael Cheika has named his team for Round 1 as the Waratahs get their Super Rugby defence underway against the Force on Sunday.

Taqele Naiyaravoro has been named in the starting line-up for the first time in his career, while Dave Dennis and Matt Carraro will make their returns from injury.

Meanwhile, new addition to the squad, Rugby League convert Sam Lousi, has been named on the bench.

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Jaques Potgieter, 5 Will Skelton, 4 David Dennis (captain), 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson
Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Mitchell Chapman, 21 Stephen Hoiles, 22 Brendan McKibbin, 23 Matt Carraro.

Date: Sunday 15 February
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-Off: 07:05 SA Time, (16:05 AEDT, 13:05 AWST, 05:05 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia), Michael Hogan (Australia)
TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)