Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will return from injury to start in the only change to the NSW Waratahs team for Saturday's Super 14 final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Wallaby loose forward David Lyons failed a fitness test on his injured hamstring on Thursday and was again ruled out.

Polota-Nau was named to return to the starting pack after missing the semi-final victory over the Sharks last Saturday, forcing Adam Freier back to the bench and Al Manning out of the match day squad.

NSW Waratahs: Sam Norton-Knight, Lachie Turner, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Adam Freier, Matt Dunning, Will Caldwell, Beau Robinson, Brett Sheehan, Matt Carraro, Timana Tahu.

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