The Waratahs will be hoping for another starring performance from Wycliff palu, with the powerful number eight returning to the starting side to face the Hurricanes.
The NSW veteran was a physical force in the Waratahs' pre-June window win over the Chiefs and he will likely need to have a similar impact at Allianz on Saturday night.
Palu replaces Dave Dennis in the backrow, with the latter reuniting with Will Skelton in the locks, with Dean Mumm into the blindside spot.
Nick Phipps returns to the starting scrumhalf spot, while Matt Carraro comes on to the wing for his 50th Waratahs match, after notching his 50th Super Rugby game before the Test break.
While the Hurricanes will be difficult to overcome, the weather could ultimately determine their finals fate, with a wet night forecast for the match.
A bonus point would be vital for the Waratahs, who are currently on equal points with the conference-leading Brumbies but one win behind, keeping them in second spot.
Though with rain forecast for Saturday, NSW are going to need to bring a field position heavy game that mightn't lend itself to the try-fest needed to clinch that extra point.
Defence coach Nathan Grey said the weather would be a factor but they'd be looking for a balance between their trademark ball in hand rugby and field position.
"We'll be playing the conditions accordingly," he said.
"We're preparing for a wet game so that obviously means you need to adjust your game plan in terms of what you do.
"We won't be steering away from what we believe is the Waratah way of playing and putting them under pressure both sides of the ball. When the opportunity presents, we'll be holding on to it and putting some phases together."
Waratahs team to face the Hurricanes on Saturday July 9, 7:40pm AEST, LIVE on FOXSPORTS
1. Paddy Ryan
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Tom Robertson
4. David Dennis
5. Will Skelton
6. Dean Mumm
7. Michael Hooper
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Nick Phipps
10. Bernard Foley
11. Matt Carraro
12. Rob Horne
13. Israel Folau
14. Taqele Naiyaravoro
15. Andrew Kellaway
Reserves
16. Hugh Roach
17. Jeremy Tilse
18. Angus Ta’avao
19. Sam Lousi
20. Jack Dempsey
21. Matt Lucas
22. David Horwitz
23. Reece Robinson
