Bad news for Waratahs fans as three key players will be out due to injury this weekend.

Wallabies inside back Barrick Barnes will miss the next six weeks of Super Rugby as he will have surgery on his hand after dislocating his right thumb last week against the Cheetahs.

Waratahs centre Rob Horne is expected to replace Barnes in their match against the Blues.

Meanwhile the Waratahs are expected to be without hooker Tatafu Polotanau and No.8 Wycliff Palu for this weekend.

The Waratahs will meet the Blues at 3:05pm Sunday.

Meanwhile on Friday the Chiefs meet the Highlanders at 6:35pm and on Saturday the Crusaders face the Kings at 6:35pm while the Reds meet the Bulls at 8:40pm.

Story by: Akuila Cama
Source: stuff.co.nz