The Waratahs will welcome back Wallabies prop Tom Robertson for their tour of South Africa but have left behind four other regulars following a torrid defeat against the Sharks.
The Tahs flew out for the two-game trip on Sunday morning but without flanker Jack Dempsey (back), hooker Tolu Latu (calf) and prop Rory O'Connor (ribs).
Jed Holloway also stayed grounded after being red carded at Bankwest Stadium; he has a SANZAAR judicial process to face but would appear likely to miss a few weeks.
Ned Hanigan and Will Miller are both set to return after injuries and the Waratahs have called up Norths and former Rebels backrower Hugh Sinclair, Ryan McAuley, Cody Walker and Mack Mason for the trip, along with Robertson.
Robertson underwent a knee reconstruction six months ago and was originally due to return in club rugby next weekend.
But O'Connor's injury has shifted that plan, and given his experience and the inexperience of Walker, the 24-Test prop looks likely to be thrown straight back into Super Rugby.
The Waratahs meet the Bulls in their first clash in Pretoria, and then travel back up the road to Johannesburg for the second match against the Lions.
NSW Waratahs Africa tour squad
Adam Ashley Cooper
Alex Newsome
Andrew Tuala
Bernard Foley
Cam Clark
Chris Talakai
Cody Walker
Curtis Rona
Damien Fitzpatrick
Harry Johnson Holmes
Hugh Sinclair
Jake Gordon
Karmichael Hunt
Kurtley Beale
Lachlan Swinton
Lalakai Foketi
Mack Mason
Michael Hooper
Michael Wells
Ned Hanigan
Nick Phipps
Rob Simmons
Ryan McCauley
Sekope Kepu
Tom Robertson
Tom Staniforth
Will Miller
