NSW Waratahs flyhalf Lawson Creighton admits the squad are hurting after last week's defeat to the Hurricanes, desperate for victory against Moana Pasifika.
Creighton confirmed his fitness for Saturday's clash in Auckland after being subbed off early due to a failed HIA.
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This happened because a sensor in his mouthguard went off, and the playmaker failed his HIA amid confusion and frustration.
“The process involved two follow-up tests, which I passed. That cleared me to play this weekend,” Creighton told the media.
“It’s just one of those things. The baseline test at the start of the year is done in a controlled environment, but when you’re in the heat of a game, dealing with a cut and everything else, sometimes results can be different.
“The important thing is that I feel good and ready to go.”
The Waratahs were punished at breakdown by Du'Plessis Kirfi and the Hurricanes, conceding 17 turnovers in the defeat.
With Ardie Savea and a red-hot Moana Pasifika side awaiting, Creighton knows they can't afford to give away the same amount whilst losing the collision battle.
"You can’t build pressure with those kinds of stats,” Creighton said.
“We didn’t win the physical battle, and that’s what we’ve been addressing this week. We know what we need to do.
"...Going over there, it’s pretty clear – you have to win the physical battle. That’s something we didn’t do last week, but we’ve been working hard on it, and I’m sure we’ll get a response.”
Andrew Kellaway is set to boost the Waratahs after missing the defeat, a perfect replacement for Max Jorgensen after his ankle injury.
