A lacklustre first half performance against the Canterbury Crusaders has left the NSW Waratahs with plenty to do leading of next Saturday's opening Super 14 clash with Queensland at Ballymore.

NSW went down 32-30 at Aussie Stadium after trailing the defending champions 27-3 at halftime, the Waratahs only playing themselves into contention after Crusaders coach Robbie Deans elected to rest star flyhalf and chief destroyer, Daniel Carter.

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie was disappointed at the result and was concerned at the ease that the visitors established their huge early lead.

"We were second-best from the kickoff and the Crusaders punished us at every opportunity," McKenzie said.

"Like all good teams, they played to their strengths with an expansive form of rugby we found difficult to contain."

Despite the loss, McKenzie was delighted with the performances of newcomers Sam Norton-Knight, Brett Sheehan and front-rower Benn Robinson as the Waratahs desperately search for a successful Super 14 formula.

"The new guys came on and quickly changed the course of the game which really pleased me. It shows we have a lot of quality depth which I believe has been lacking in previous seasons."

The Waratahs' attempt to introduce an innovative form of running rugby clearly needs fine-tuning.

The bumper crowd of 17,129 saw some enterprising play from Queensland Reds recruit Wendell Sailor, as well as a series of tackle-busting runs from fellow crowd pleaser, Lote Tuqiri.

Classy fullback Peter Hewat, another home favourite, had a mixed night especially in the handling department.

Waratahs' flanker Rocky Elsom was a strong triallist, breaking the line a number of times and was rewarded with a barnstorming try in the 54th minute after brilliant lead-up play from impact player Wycliff Palu.

Coach McKenzie is looking forward to seeing how his team responds after the defeat and expects a much improved performance against traditional rival Queensland in the season-opener.

"It goes without saying there is a lot of feeling between both teams and I am sure the boys will be ready to go on Saturday night."

For the Crusaders, towering No.8 Mose Tuiali'i led the Crusaders from the front in a brutal display, barging over for a try in each half and was the deserving man of the match.

Captain Richie McCaw in the unfamiliar role of blindside flanker produced a typical workman-like performance.

Both teams completed their pre-season commitments without major injury concerns.

The much publicised NSW experiment of replacing players' numbers with their initials received mixed reaction at the Stadium.

Waratahs' fan Tom Doran, of Chatswood liked the new-look jerseys, believing it brings a colourful element for the game's supporters.

"It is something different, I didn't mind it, and I hope they are allowed to stick with it," he said.

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