Waratahs hooker Brendan Cannon believes the bitter experience of his side's only other Super 12 semifinal appearance can help take NSW one step further in 2005.

The Waratahs were humiliated 51-10 by the Brumbies in 2002, that beating and the previous week's 96-19 hiding by the Crusaders - when NSW rested seven regulars for the last round match - took the gloss of what had been the team's best year.

But Cannon, who is expected to get the nod as starting rake ahead of Adam Freier for Saturday's semifinal against the Bulls at Aussie Stadium, was determined to make history, not let it repeat.

"I think the guys that experienced what we did in 2002 probably provide a little bit more exposure to the guys this year to know what hurdles we've had to overcome," Cannon said.

"We've certainly been a lot more confrontational in addressing the issues that we probably haven't in the past.

"It's all been pretty obvious to everyone how different a team it has been and the depth within the squad is certainly the highest it has been in the time we have been with NSW."

If selected Cannon will be one of five Waratahs survivors from the starting team in the 2002 semifinal - the others being Mat Rogers, Chris Whitaker, David Lyons and Phil Waugh.

Cannon, who will link up with the Western Force next year, also dipped his lid to the future, saying it was important to think about the players that were moving on.

"I think consciously all the guys are acutely aware as to how different the squad will be next year," he said.

"Not just with myself but with a number of guys going elsewhere."

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