Phil Waugh promised a fight and a no-holds-barred stoush and he's delivering.

Any thoughts Waugh would fade out of Test calculations under the pressure of emerging Force flanker David Pocock have dissolved with his storming start to the 2009 Super 14.

The NSW skipper was simply superb in leading his men to a bruising 15-11 victory over Queensland, setting the stage for a mouth-watering clash against long-time Brumbies rival George Smith in Canberra on Friday night.

Smith has clearly been Australia's leading No.7, ahead of Waugh, for the past two years, leading to question marks over the off-contract Waratah's future with rising 20-year-old Pocock a genuine 2011 World Cup option.

Pocock has been among the best for the Force but certainly no better than Waugh who said he'd fight tooth and nail to be Australia's best open-side let alone second.

NSW coach Chris Hickey sternly believes the 29-year-old with 77 Test caps excels under such pressure.

"Those sort of challenges bring out the best in Phil and he'll just keep putting his best out on the park week-in, week-out," Hickey said.

"He consistently plays such a high standard that we tend to take his performances for granted.

"But certainly in that game on Friday night against Queensland I thought he lifted his game a couple of notches again.

"Maybe that game he was a little more motivated because of the significance of the clash between the two sides."

Waugh's motivation will again be at fever-pitch at Canberra Stadium, and not just due to the provincial rivalry.

Waugh and Smith, Australian U19 and U21 teammates, have been staring each other down in Super rugby for 10 seasons.

Hickey felt their breakdown battle would be the most important head-to-head duel in the local derby.

"It has a big influence on the game all the time but you have got two of the best playing there so it should make for an interesting contest on the night," he said.

Smith has also consistently been the Brumbies' best as they've made a 2-1 start to the season.

Like Hickey, Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock believes Waugh rises to the challenge better than most, and won't be underestimated.

"Waughy is extremely competitive and the tougher the contest then the more he likes it, that's been truly evident in his performances so far and that was shown (against Queensland), said the Brumbies centre.

"Waughy has been playing consistently well so far this year, likewise so has Georgey for us.

"Their competition has been great ever since they played against each other the first time about 10 years ago now."

NSW should have a better idea on Tuesday whether No.8 Wycliff Palu will line up against the Brumbies when he visits a hand specialist to assess his fractured hand.

If Palu is ruled out, Luke Doherty is likely to be promoted to the back-row with either he or in-form blindside flanker Ben Mowen to wear the No.8.

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