They may have missed the bonus point but the Waratahs have got the Super 12 semi-final they wanted - if not expected - against the Bulls at Aussie Stadium on Saturday night.

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie admitted he'd expected a match against the Hurricanes when his side failed to score a fourth try and claim first place in their 25-20 win over the Blues on Friday.

While NSW was criticised in some circles for taking a penalty goal instead of pushing for the fourth try midway through the second half of the match against Auckland, the net result may be to their benefit.

The Bulls mauled the Stormers 75-14 in their final round clash overnight and in doing so ousted the Hurricanes for third spot on for and against.

"I think they've already stated we were their preferred option and I guess travel-wise it makes sense," said McKenzie of the Bulls, who save a few hours and a time zone by playing in Sydney instead of Wellington.

"I don't think we're unhappy and I don't think they are unhappy so it is probably the best situation.

"We were gearing up to play the Hurricanes but we are happy to play the Bulls."

The Waratahs were the last team to beat the Bulls, 42-12, back in round five on March 26 in Sydney.

The South Africans have since launched a fearsome run home in South Africa, logging six wins including a victory against competition favourites the Crusaders.

But playing a team they have beaten that will travel from Pretoria looks a better prospect for NSW who were beaten by the Hurricanes five weeks ago.

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