The Waratahs will be out to end a run of four straight Super Rugby defeats and a six-match losing streak in South Africa when they take on the Cheetahs.
NSW Waratahs coach Michael Foley says the adventurous Cheetahs could run his men off their feet if they don't control the ball in their Super Rugby clash.
The Waratahs will be out to end a run of four straight defeats and a six-match losing streak in South Africa.
Both NSW and the Cheetahs are effectively out of finals contention, having only a slight mathematical hope.
The Waratahs will be cheered by the first Super appearance in 13 months of Australia winger Drew Mitchell and the return of Test forwards Tatafu Polota-Nau and Wycliff Palu.
Lock Kane Douglas has also earned a recall.
On the negative side, captain Rocky Elsom (shoulder) and fellow Test forward Dean Mumm (head knock) have both been ruled of the game in Bloemfontein on Sunday morning (AEST).
There is speculation in some quarters that former Wallabies skipper Elsom will not be named next week in the first national squad of the year.
With Elsom out of the Waratahs team, Dave Dennis will slide across from No.8 to blindside flanker and prop Benn Robinson will lead the side.
Foley was wary of a Cheetahs side that likes to chance their arm.
"They are a very dangerous side, they are prepared to run with the ball from everywhere and that sometimes works for them and sometimes it doesn't," Foley told AAP.
"I think from our point of view it was interesting hearing (senior NSW assistant coach) Alan Gaffney's thoughts on how you play a side like that.
"He said the worst thing you can do is try and play sevens.
"We've looked at how we can try and win the ball and control it for long periods of time and I think that's pretty critical up here on the veldt, otherwise they will just try and run us off our feet."
Foley will modify his strategy and won't rely as much on the persistent high kick tactic employed against the Stormers last week.
Former Brumbies and Force lock Richard Stanford is poised to make his NSW debut off the bench, which also includes ex-Cheetahs halfback Sarel Pretorius.
The NSW team: Bernard Foley, Tom Kingston, Rob Horne, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Brendan McKibbin, Wycliff Palu, Chris Alcock, David Dennis, Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson (capt). Res: John Ulugia, Jeremy Tilse, Richard Stanford, Lopeti Timani, Sarel Pretorius, Daniel Halangahu, Tom Carter.
