Centre Timana Tahu and backrower Rocky Elsom have been named in a 26-man Waratahs squad for the team's vital two-match Super 14 tour of South Africa.

Tahu returns to the selection mix for Sunday morning's (AEST) match against the Bulls in Pretoria after playing just three Super 14 matches this season because of a chronic hamstring problem.

Coach Ewen McKenzie has already suggested Tahu's return is likely to come via the bench in a bid to manage his injury.

Flanker Elsom has been out for a month with a torn quad muscle.

McKenzie said the pair's availability presented a happy dilemma for the second-placed Waratahs who would come close to securing a home semi-final with wins over the Bulls and the Stormers.

"It's made selection difficult but that's the way we like it," said McKenzie.

Sam Harris and Sekope Kepu will also make the trip after some impressive form in the Shute Shield while Luke Burgess, Alfi Mafi and Matt Carraro have all been chosen.

The Waratahs fly out on Thursday for a preparation which mirrors their 2007 approach which resulted in a first up victory over the Lions.

"Last year we flew out on Thursday morning, landed on Thursday afternoon African time, had a good captain's run on Friday then went on to beat the Lions," McKenzie said.

"All the preparation was done at home and that's what we're doing for the Bulls this week."

Squad: Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Matt Carraro, Tom Carter, Sam Harris, Rob Horne, Alfi Mafi, Sam Norton-Knight, Brett Sheehan, Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri, Lachie Turner, Al Baxter, Will Caldwell, Matt Dunning, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier, Sekope Kepu, David Lyons, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Beau Robinson, Benn Robinson, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh (capt).

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