But outside back Robbie Coleman says the Brumbies won't get caught in the trap of focusing on Folau's switch to the No.13 jumper in a massive shift that signals war in the middle of the field.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has made five changes to his side, with rookie Andrew Kellaway getting a chance at fullback and Folau being injected to the front line to get him more involved.

The Brumbies beat the Waratahs earlier this season with Folau at fullback, Beale at No.10 and Bernard Foley on the sideline with injury.

But take-two of the interstate battle will see a battle for Wallabies positions, with Folau clashing against incumbent Test No.13 Tevita Kuridrani.

"Israel is in red-hot form like he has been the last few years ... He attacks a lot from No.13 anyway," Coleman said.

"I don't know how different it's going to be. The biggest difference is young Kellaway coming in at fullback, that's probably more of the surprise factor that we'll be watching out for. The Waratahs have strike power all over, you can't just worry about one."

The Brumbies are going into the clash with the same back line that suffered a record loss to the Waikato Chiefs two weeks ago.

The match against the Waratahs looms as a crucial derby in the Australian conference, with the Brumbies and Rebels locked on 17 points and the Waratahs trailing on 12 points.

Folau has scored three tries in five games this year and the Waratahs desperately need him to get his hands on the ball if they want to resurrect their season.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham worked with Folau as part of the Wallabies' World Cup campaign, and said it was inevitable that the former Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos and GWS Giants player would make the move at some point.

"I think he's pretty keen to get his hands on the ball so I think that's the main reason for the shift in there," Larkham said.

"He's a quality player, I don't think it matters where he is. If he gets his hands on the ball he'll have an impact. You don't want a target on one person, they've got a number of threats.

"I don't think this move has anything to do with where the Waratahs are, they've been talking about it since the start of the season. I think it was inevitable that they would get him in there at some stage. You get as many touches as you can for a guy like Israel and he'll be a little bit more dangerous."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND EIGHT

Saturday: NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies at Sydney Football Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2

Brumbies: 15. Aidan Toua, 14. Robbie Coleman, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Matt Toomua, 11. Joseph Tomane, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Tomas Cubelli, 8. Jordan Smiler, 7. Jarrad Butler, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16: Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Allan Alaalatoa, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Michael Wells, 21. Joe Powell, 22. James Dargaville, 23. Nigel Ah Wong.

Waratahs: 15. Andrew Kellaway, 14. Reece Robinson, 13. Israel Folau, 12. Kurtley Beale, 11. Matt Carraro, 10. Bernard Foley, 9. Nick Phipps, 8. Jed Holloway, 7. Michael Hooper, 6. Jack Dempsey, 5. Will Skelton, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Tom Robertson, 2. Hugh Roach, 1. Benn Robinson. Reserves: 16. James Hilterbrand, 17. Paddy Ryan, 18. Angus Taavao, 19. Sam Lousi, 20. Wycliff Palu, 21. David Dennis, 22. Matt Lucas, 23. David Horwitz.