Allianz Stadium hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the Waratahs this season, but skipper Michael Hooper says his side is intent on putting competition heavyweights the Crusaders "to the sword" in their own backyard on Sunday.
The Waratahs limped over the line by six points against the Western Force and were outclassed by a valiant Brumbies outfit 28-12 in round four at home.
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Waratahs down Rebels in superb comeback
A last minute try allowed the Waratahs to complete a great comeback and beat the Rebels.
Both of those matches were hampered by wet weather and despite the glorious Sydney sunshine that greeted the Waratahs as they went through their captain's run on Saturday, more unfavourable conditions are forecast for Sunday.
The odds are stacked against the Waratahs, particularly with the omission of five-eighth Bernard Foley from their starting line-up, but that hasn't diminished Hooper's enthusiasm.
"We haven't really put a team to the sword at home – scraping by against Perth and losing to the Brums – so we're really looking forward to putting on a good showing for our home crowd tomorrow," Hooper said. "It's a huge challenge and opportunity for us tomorrow against an undefeated team this season at home."
Asked if this was the biggest challenge of the year thus far, Hooper paused, before replying: "Last week was pretty big. I know the Rebels have been having their own struggles, but three [losses] on the trot to dig out of, that was hard.
"It's a Kiwi team so it's a new challenge, probably not our biggest challenge, but definitely a new challenge to see where we're at against a new style and a team who has been showing all the right things so far."
All eyes will be on 21-year-old Mack Mason, who has been named to fill the big boots of Foley at No.10.
Hooper was full of praise for the former Melbourne Storm under-20s product, but says he hasn't sat him down to impart any specific knowledge given he burst onto the scene at a similar young age.
"I've been impressed with Mack since day one," Hooper said. "His control, his level head … he's been really pleasing to watch. He gets an opportunity and a rare opportunity at that with 'Nard' [Foley] being out for so many weeks.
"I haven't tried to put any wisdom on him or anything like that. He is ready to go and what he's done up until this point has got him this far. He will forge his own way."
The Waratahs have beaten the Crusaders just twice in 14 outings since 2005 but have won the last two matches at home, including the famous 2014 Super Rugby final at Homebush.
NSW are yet to produce a complete 80-minute performance this year and know they will have to start well, given the Crusaders have only conceded two second-half tries in their five wins.
Hooper said the Crusaders' resolve to claw their way back in matches was admirable.
"Their ability to play for 80 minutes has been really impressive," Hooper said. "Three games they were down and managed to come back and win from being behind on the scoreboard which, as we knew last week, was extremely tough. To do that a couple of times shows the mettle of their team.
"They've got a really good All Black forward pack, set-piece is strong and they're undefeated for a reason."
Despite the threat of poor weather, Hooper said the Waratahs would stick to their free-flowing style of rugby.
"We've had Christchurch weather it seems the last couple of weeks, so they're used to it, we're used to it," Hooper said. "Both teams want to play their style of footy so I'm expecting it be a good game."
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