Nic White has shut down any claims the Waratahs will be vulnerable despite their slow start to the season.
The Brumbies will welcome their rivals to GIO Stadium on Saturday, just five weeks after defeating them to open the Super Rugby Pacific season.
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Both teams have been on an opposite trajectory since, with the Brumbies sitting in third position despite their defeat to the Crusaders last week.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs sit in 11th after just one win from five games, leaving them desperate for a result if they wish to play finals.
“They say a week is a long time in Rugby, I think six weeks is even longer and they’re going to be a different team when they come here,” White told reporters.
“They’re going to be hungry to get into that winners circle. I feel like watching them, they’ve evened and gotten better.
“They’re still a side with 14 Wallabies there desperate to get a win…it’s going to be tough. We did well up there but we know we have to be better.”
White recognised the quality still left in the squad despite a plethora of injuries, with the likes of Max Jorgensen, Lalakai Foketi and Langi Gleeson pushing for their return after missing Friday's defeat to the Chiefs.
“We’re not falling into that trap,” White said.
“They’re still a side with plenty of Wallabies. I feel like in camp they had maybe more than us and they’re a side who have been a little unlucky with results but they’re a bloody tough side.
“You heard (All Blacks captain) Sam Cane take about them after the weekend, how much the Chiefs had to be on their game when the Waratahs are on their game.
“We’re fully aware that they’re hurting so they will be desperate. It’s Waratah week in itself but there’s no falling into a trap…they are far better than where they are (on the ladder) and we’re going to have to be wary of that.”
White missed the Crusaders defeat along with a host of Wallabies, set to return ahead of a crucial fortnight that includes a rematch with the Reds.
