Rookie Ben Mowen aims to make the blue No.6 jersey his own when the NSW Waratahs kick off their Super 14 campaign against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night.

Mowen received the nod from coach Chris Hickey on Monday to step into the blindside flanker position left vacant by the respected Rocky Elsom, who elected to continue his career in Ireland.

Mowen, who played one game with the Reds in 2007, said he was ready to shoulder the expectation that comes with stepping in to Elsom's shoes.

"Yeah I do feel that pressure a bit, but I wouldn't call it pressure I'd call it a challenge, and one that I've been looking forward to," the 24-year-old said.

"Anytime you put a run-on jersey there are challenges and expectations associated with them.

"I think myself and those players who are going to be in that position are pretty relaxed about it and we're confident we can do the job."

Mowen said he was eagerly awaiting the chance to test his skills against Rodney So'oialo's pack at the 'Cake Tin'.

"Anytime you're going up against a side you're going to do your analysis and know the players you're going to be coming up against," he said.

"I'm sure they'll have a few challenges for me, but I've got a few myself, so I should be right."

In what will be his first Super 14 match as coach, Hickey has chosen 17 players in his 24-man squad who lined up in the Super 14 final against the Crusaders last year.

Scott Fava, another new face, will play his first game for NSW at No.8, and will become the first player who has played with each of the Australian Super franchises.

Regular No.8 Wycliff Palu is set to make his return from shoulder surgery and will start from the bench.

Kurtley Beale has won the hotly contested battle for the starting flyhalf jersey from Daniel Halangahu and Luke Burgess has been given the nod at halfback ahead of Brett Sheehan.

Hickey has continued Wallabies coach Robbie Deans's move to play Timana Tahu at inside centre, while youngster Rob Horne will start outside him.

Lote Tuqiri and Lachie Turner are on the wing and Sam Norton-Knight has retained the starting fullback jersey.

Hickey said there was no reason why the `Tahs can't beat the Hurricanes at home and get their season off to a flyer.

"It's a tough game first up but you've got to play everyone at some time or another," Hickey said.

"We're confident in our preparation and think we go into this game with a genuine chance."

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