NSW coach Ewen McKenzie is contemplating bringing backline stars Timana Tahu and Sam Norton-Knight back into his starting side for Saturday's do-or-die Super 14 final round clash with Queensland in Brisbane.
Currently third on the ladder, the Waratahs will seal a semi-finals spot if they vanquish their old foe at Suncorp Stadium but could miss out on the top four if they lose.
NSW returned to Sydney today with most of their baggage, including all their playing and training gear, still in South Africa.
McKenzie said the Waratahs might have to train in club gear tomorrow but didn't anticipate their luggage woes proving a problem in the lead-up to a match which he said would be all about "attitude" as opposed to preparation.
He reported NSW had a number of "damaged bodies" but was adamant everyone would be fit for the clash with the Reds.
McKenzie said the wet conditions in Cape Town hadn't helped with health issues such as prop Matt Dunning's lingering calf problem, while young winger Lachie Turner suffered a head knock.
Norton-Knight and Tahu both came off the bench in Saturday's 13-13 draw with the Stormers and McKenzie suggested each would come under consideration for a start on Saturday.
Both men have only recently returned to action after missing a significant chunk of the Super campaign through injury.
McKenzie tried Lote Tuqiri at fullback in Cape Town and said the Wallabies winger touched the ball more times than any other Waratah, but left open the possibility of a backline reshuffle.
He was pleased with what Tahu and Norton-Knight provided off the bench.
Asked if Norton-Knight could return to fullback this week, McKenzie said: "It's a possibility".
Questioned about the run-on prospects of Tahu, who started his rugby career on the wing but came on at outside centre last week, McKenzie said the former league star would definitely come under consideration.
