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The Waratahs are chasing a rare Waikato win to build momentum after ending their Canberra hoodoo.
The NSW Waratahs are chasing back-to-back statement wins as they target a rare victory over the Chiefs in Waikato, aiming to build momentum in their Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Fresh from ending an eight-match losing streak in Canberra with a 30-28 win over the ACT Brumbies, the Waratahs now face another long-standing challenge.
They have not won in Waikato since their title-winning 2014 season, adding extra weight to Saturday's fixture.
New starting scrumhalf Teddy Wilson acknowledged the scale of the task but said belief within the squad had grown.
He pointed to last season's upset win over the then ladder-leading Chiefs in Sydney as evidence the side can exploit key areas if they execute their plan.
Wilson indicated the team had identified specific weaknesses in the Chiefs' game and were confident in their approach, stressing the need to bring energy and precision on the road.
He suggested a win in Hamilton would carry lasting significance for the group.
A fast start is central to the Waratahs' strategy. Victory would see them leapfrog the Chiefs, currently fifth, and move back into the top-six finals positions, tightening an already competitive ladder.
Wilson also highlighted the importance of maintaining composure when momentum shifts, noting the side must stick to its processes and trust its game plan to regain control during difficult periods.
With coach Dan McKellar opting to rest regular scrumhalf Jake Gordon, Wilson is set to make his first Super Rugby start of 2026 at FMG Waikato Stadium.
He said he had been encouraged to play instinctively, particularly around the ruck, where quick ball could create attacking opportunities.
The Waratahs' intent to play at speed and generate fast ruck ball shapes as a key focus, as they look to translate belief into another breakthrough result on New Zealand soil.