Waratahs up and coming star Ben Volavola will make his first Super Rugby start after being named in the starting team to face the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium.

Head coach Michael Cheika has been impressed with Volavola's form off the bench in the Waratahs two fixtures to date.

"Ben's just earned it - he's forced me to pick him by coming on and playing really well," said Michael Cheika.

"Ben's form, the way he's playing the game and the combination he's forging with Bernard Foley is something I just couldn't ignore.

Impressive off the bench in the first two rounds, the fullback is one of five changes to the starting XV to play the Brumbies this weekend. The other newcomer is his Souths' club teammate, lock Sita Timani who returns to the side after recovering from a cork.

Cheika has also made three positional changes to accommodate Volavola's arrival and the absence of No. 8 Wycliff Palu, who is ruled out with an ankle injury.

Lock Mitchell Chapman moves to blindside with captain Dave Dennis taking over at No 8. and Israel Folau will start on the right wing in place of Tom Kingston.

Named amongst the replacements, Pat McCutcheon makes his return to action after twelve months on the sidelines, following a serious ankle injury sustained in round 3 last season.

Singling him out for praise, Cheika said, "I see the way he prepares and trains and his attitude and I can't leave that type of players out of the team.

"His attitude is one people should be inspired by because of the way he prepares himself. I want that type of character in the team."

Hooker Luke Holmes, scrumhalf Matt Lucas and wing Lachie Turner are also included on the bench, alongside Lopeti Timani, Paddy Ryan and Greg Peterson.

"These guys have all done well in the pre-season but I need to give them opportunities to play, it's not a case of anyone else having done anything wrong."

The match will see Sekope Kepu and Dave Dennis earn their 50th caps for the Waratahs.

Waratahs

15. Ben Volavola , 14. Israel Folau , 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper , 12. Tom Carter , 11. Drew Mitchell , 10. Bernard Foley , 9. Brendan McKibbin , 8. Dave Dennis (c) , 7. Michael Hooper , 6. Mitchell Chapman , 5. Kane Douglas , 4. Sitaleki Timani , 3. Sekope Kepu (Randwick) , 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau , 1. Benn Robinson

Replacements , 16. Luke Holmes , 17. Paddy Ryan , 18. Greg Peterson , 19. Lopeti Timani , 20. Pat McCutcheon , 21. Matt Lucas , 22. Lachie Turner