JOHANNESBURG: The Waratahs have staged a major overhaul of their back line to face the Sharks on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) after losing fullback Israel Folau to injury.

NSW coach Michael Cheika has resisted moving Kurtley Beale back into his conventional position of fullback and will instead start former Queensland utility Jono Lance in the No.15 jersey.

Israel Folau will miss just his second Super Rugby match for the Waratahs. Credit:Getty Images

Cheika has also elevated former Test centre Rob Horne to the starting line up but named him on the wing for the first time with Peter Betham and left intact the blossoming partnership of playmakers Beale and Bernard Foley.

It will be just the second time in Folau's career with NSW that the side has started without him. A hamstring injury incurred while with the Wallabies sidelined the dual international for the Waratahs' season-ender against the Reds at ANZ Stadium last year, which the home side lost 14-12.