UPDATE: The Waratahs have made two changes to their bench for Sunday's derby against the Brumbies, with Tom Robertson and Robbie Abel ruled out.
Robertson failed a fitness test on his back and will be replaced by Rory O'Connor, while Abel, who has been ruled out with illness, will be replaced by Andrew Tuala, who plays his first Super Rugby match for 2020.
Abel's illness is not related to coronavirus.
Despite the late withdrawals, Waratahs coach Rob Penney has still made few changes to his side, saying he didn't want to throw the "baby out with the bath water" after last week's loss to the Chiefs.
Captain Rob Simmons (ankle) and winger Mark Nawaqanitawase (back) will both return from injury for the clash, while hooker Damien Fitzpatrick is elevated to the starting side - something that had happened before Abel fell ill.
Penney said he wanted to keep the faith in his team despite a disappointing second-half fade against the Chiefs and a 1-4 start to the year.
'You've got two ways of handling it," he said.
Penney said the players knew that change was required sooner rather than later with their hops of finals fading.
"The boys feel it more than anybody. Us as staff members we get disappointed but the group really cares about their performance and how they're perceived and the perception isn't great at the moment.
"We understand why and we're the only ones that can fix it.
"The players are at the front edge, leading that change."
The Waratahs' breakdown has been a talking point this week after flanker Michael Hooper said the side was missing a trick when it came to the interpretation of laws this year.
Penney said the team had contacted the referees, and requested feedback from Australian Angus Gardner, about their breakdown work.
"I think there's a lot of discussion coming out of the referees at the moment around the interpretation of the breakdown," he said.
"Certainly guys, we're trying to do things legally and not doing any rewards for it.
"Be interesting to see the feedback we get from Angus, he's been sent some footage, just to either reinforce our thinking or to go no we have to make some alterations.
"Feedback that we're getting from the referees is that we're compliant which is good and I guess what Hoops is alluding to is the fact that some teams aren't and they're getting rewarded for it.
"It's a tough job refereeing, there's so much to see and the last thing you'd ever want to do is point the finger and say we're not getting rub of the green.
"A wise man once said to me 50-50 calls generally end up being 50-50, we're just waiting for our 50 to turn up."
The Brumbies will name their team later on Friday.
The Waratahs take on the Brumbies on Sunday March 16 at GIO Stadium, kicking off at 4:05pm AEDT, LIVE on Foxtel, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
TEAM
Waratahs to face Brumbies
1. Angus Bell
2. Damien Fitzpatrick
3. Harry Johnson-Holmes
4. Rob Simmons
5. Tom Staniforth
6. Lachie Swinton
7. Michael Hooper
8. Jack Dempsey
9. Mitch Short
10. Will Harrison
11. Mark Nawaqanitawase
12. Karmichael Hunt
13. Alex Newsome
14. Jack Maddocks
15. Kurtley Beale
Reserves:
16. Andrew Tuala
17. Rory O'Connor
18. Tetera Faulkner
19. Jed Holloway
20. Pat Tafa
21. Michael McDonald
22. Lalakai Foketi
23. James Ramm
