Wallabies star Adam Ashley-Cooper returns to a full-strength starting line-up for the NSW Waratahs’ Super Rugby grudge match with the Queensland Reds on Saturday night.

After recovering from concussion, Ashley-Cooper will partner former Red Karmichael Hunt in the centres, with Kurtley Beale named at fullback for the SCG showdown.

Coming off a bye week, the Waratahs will be looking for their second win of the year with coach Daryl Gibson acknowledging his side had plenty to work on after their narrow one-point victory in round two over the Sunwolves.

“We are facing our oldest rival this week and we want to put out the strongest team we can,” Gibson said.

“The Reds are a very competitive unit. We saw that last weekend and saw that in their first game. We know what we’re in for.

“We know how important these derbies are from a conference standing, so there is plenty to play for.”

NSW Waratahs: Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Karmichael Hunt, Curtis Rona, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan, Rob Simmons, Jed Holloway, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Rory O’Connor, Chris Talakai, Lachlan Swinton, Will Miller, Mitch Short, Mack Mason, Alex Newsome.