Waratahs coach Chris Hickey has made just two injury enforced changes for Friday's crucial Super 14 match against the Hurricanes at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Prop Benn Robinson (broken arm) and back Sosene Anesi (shoulder) were both ruled out of the clash after suffering injuries during the 46-19 win in Hamilton last week.

In their place Hickey has called Dan Palmer into the starting XV at loosehead for Robinson with Rory Sidey taking Anesi's spot on the bench.

After making several changes to his team's shape before the Chiefs match last weekend, Hickey said there was little reason for a similar reshuffle ahead of the Hurricanes fixture which the `Tahs must win to assure themselves a semi-final spot.

"We tinkered with the side a bit last week with Berrick (Barnes) and Tom (Carter) shifting in and also Pat McCutcheon coming into the starting XV, and the results were really positive," said Hickey.

"Last week was a must-win game, as is this one, and the players who did the job against the Chiefs deserve the chance to again this Friday.

"It's particularly disappointing to lose both Robbo and Sos, but that creates opportunities for other players."

Hickey said Palmer showed he can fill in for the influential Robinson, who has been one of the Waratahs' best this season, and he had no qualms about throwing the 25-year-old into the fray.

"Dan Palmer's performance against the Highlanders proved he can handle it at loosehead at this level and he'll relish the opportunity to be there from the outset once again," Hickey said.

"Jeremy Tilse has also performed strongly from the bench for the last two weeks and we know when the time arrives he'll provide us with good impact."

If the `Tahs come out on top against the Hurricanes, not only will they ensure a semi-final berth but they'll score their sixth-straight win in Sydney.

"It's always been the case that if you can win all of your home games in a Super 14 season then you'll be in with a good chance of making the finals and that goes on the line on Friday," Hickey said.

"With the Hurricanes also in contention for the semis this match becomes vital for both teams and hopefully will attract a crowd worthy of such a big game."

Waratahs: Kurtley Beale, Lachie Turner, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess; Ben Mowen, Phil Waugh (capt), Patrick McCutcheon, Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Dan Palmer. Res: Damien Fitzpatrick, Jeremy Tilse, Chris Thomson, Dave Dennis, Josh Holmes, Daniel Halangahu, Rory Sidey.

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