The Waratahs may have to defy the formguide to beat the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday, but they won't make a dent on the record books if they secure an upset win.

While Carisbrook's "House of Pain" continued to be just that for the Brumbies last Friday when they again walked away winless from the ground, the Waratahs' Super 12 record there is impressive.

Two wins from three in Dunedin add to NSW's four from four at home against Otago, giving the visitors a spark of hope in a match that otherwise indicates one way traffic for the New Zealand team.

Suggesting they are far from resting on their laurels after the 45-19 disposal of the Brumbies, the Highlanders have made six changes for the vital match.

Wing Aisea Tuilevu returns from suspension and Iliesa Tanivula is a surprise choice at fullback while Tom Willis gets his first start of the Super 12 in place of Anton Oliver at hooker.

The other changes see Sam Harding and Samiu Vahafolau replace the injured Josh Blackie and Kelvin Middleton in the loose trio and Simon Maling returns in place of Peter Bowden at lock.

The Waratahs have had a few shake-ups of their own, with a handful of positional changes including starting roles for five eighth Duncan McRae, flanker Simon Kasprowicz and centre Morgan Turinui and the return of tighthead prop Patricio Noriega and halfback Chris Whitaker.

McRae indicated NSW, five points behind the fourth placed Highlanders and finals outsiders with just two rounds remaining, would adopt an all or nothing approach.

"It's our grand final so we're going to leave it all on the field this week," McRae said.

"We've looked at the way they (the Highlanders) have played over the last month and pinpointed areas where we think we can do our best but it's obviously going to be a massive challenge for us."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP