Waratahs captain Phil Waugh has been ruled out of Friday night's rugby trial match against the Fiji Warriors with an ankle injury.

Waugh rolled his left ankle during training on Wednesday and will sit out the match at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle.

Beau Robinson comes into the starting XV for Waugh while Al Baxter will captain the side.

"It's not a serious injury, but it's enough to keep him off the park past Friday's match," coach Chris Hickey said.

"There's a long road ahead so it's not worth risking anything at this stage of the season.

"Beau (Robinson) now has an opportunity to step up, and similarly guys like Pat McCutcheon and Sitiveni Mafi will play a more significant role from the bench."

Australia's most capped prop Baxter said he would relish the role as captain.

"It's unfortunate for Waughy with his injury but it's a great honour to be asked to captain the Waratahs," said Baxter.

"It's going to be a tough first hit-out for me, it'll be pretty warm, but from what I've heard there's a lot of interest so hopefully there'll be a good crowd there tomorrow night."

Hickey has made 12 changes to the starting side which beat the Queensland Reds 17-5, naming every available Wallaby in his squad.

Waratahs: Lachie Turner, Peter Playford, Timana Tahu, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Daniel Halangahu, Luke Burgess, Scott Fava, Beau Robinson, Ben Mowen, Will Caldwell, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Adam Freier, Jeremy Tilse, Beau Robinson, Chris Thomson, Jeremy Sua, Sam Norton-Knight, Kurtley Beale, Dan Palmer, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Rob Horne, Pat McCutcheon, Matt Carraro.

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