NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar is urging for more 'spark' and energy out of his attack as they look for a crucial win over the Highlanders in Dunedin.
The Waratahs need victory to keep their finals hopes alive, sitting five points outside of the top six.
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It comes off the back of a disappointing loss to the Western Force, with McKellar calling on his time to rid themselves of the shackles and take their opportunities.
"We were very conservative on Friday night. We've got to play with a little bit more spark and energy around our attack," he told reporters. "Off the back of that, we'll play a game that's a lot more enjoyable to watch and a whole lot more enjoyable to play in.
"We didn't have [the ball] for much, but when we did have it, we were really conservative so we need to change that."
McKellar has also resisted the urge to move Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii from outside centre, backing him to make a greater impact.
"I think Friday night was a challenging game. We just had no ball and that's the reality," he admits. "We had a plan to get 'Su' into the game a whole lot more than what he was. He copped a bump pretty early on, which certainly restricted him as well.
"Thankfully, he's overcome that, so he's been selected at 13 this week, and as I've said many times before, there's an open mind around where he plays now and where he plays in the future."
The Waratahs have felt the brunt of making close to 300 tackles, with skipper Matt Philip (calf) one of several set to not make the trip over the Tasman.
Philip pulled up sore after the loss, not expected out long term, with Joey Walton (neck), Tom Lambert (knee) and Jamie Admson (cheekbone) all out.
Jake Gordon re-takes the captaincy in Philip's absence, having stood down from the role to start the year.
"You can certainly see the shackles have been released in terms of not feeling the stress and the pressure that comes with being the captain and having to worry about everyone else. He's just been able to focus on himself....But I also thought that captaining the NSW Waratahs is a huge honour and you just don't dish it out willy-nilly," McKellar explained on giving it back to Gordon.
"I think there's a huge responsibility and honour that comes with it. Jake's done it many times and he understood that as well."
Further changes see Isaac Kailea and Miles Amatosero start, while Wallabies winger Harry Potter (concussion) and Dan Botha (suspension) return to the 23.
WARATAHS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Ethan Dobbins, Dan Botha, Miles Amatosero, Angus Blyth, Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon (c), Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen
Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Jack Barrett, Apolosi Ranawai, Clem Halaholo, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Harry Potter
