Rugby: Waratahs under pressure to deliver against Sharks

NSW five-eighths Daniel Halangahu says the Waratahs will be feeling the pressure when they renew their Super 14 rivalry with the Sharks at the Sydney Football Stadium tonight.

Neither side has started the season well, with the Waratahs winning one out of three and the Sharks losing all of their games so far.

Tonight's is one the Sharks are targeting to kick-start their season, while the Waratahs are determined to gain some momentum after a tough start on the road.

NSW picked up plenty of plaudits following their honourable 48-38 loss to the defending champion Bulls in Pretoria last weekend, but Halangahu admitted the Waratahs would be under greater pressure to perform this weekend.

"We had the benefit last week of no one expecting we were going to win and so we could come out and there wasn't much pressure on us," said Halangahu.

"Whereas this week there will be a bit more pressure on us, but we definitely have to perform against the Sharks because they are not a team that you can take lightly given the players they've got."

NSW coach Chris Hickey said Tatafu Polota-Nau was making good progress from a hamstring strain he suffered last weekend and was optimistic the Wallabies front rower would be right for tonight.

Hickey surprised some pundits by dropping Ben Mowen to the bench after recalling Dean Mumm from suspension and naming him at lock while shifting Dave Dennis from the second row to fill the No 6 jersey.

"We just felt that having Dean (Mumm) come back and play as a lock was going to be our option for this particular game," Hickey said.

Halangahu was looking forward to developing his new inside-back combination with centres Berrick Barnes and Tom Carter. Barnes started the season at five-eighths with Kurtley Beale at inside centre and Halangahu on the bench, but Hickey opted to revamp his midfield in South Africa.

"Something we worked out last year is that you've got to give guys an opportunity, you've got to give them a chance to get going and give them a few games together," Halangahu said.

- AAP