There's plenty at stake when NSW flanker Phil Waugh and Western Force counterpart David Pocock lock horns in Saturday night's Super 14 clash at Sydney Football Stadium.

On last year's Wallabies spring tour, Pocock made sure he kept a keen eye on veteran No.7s George Smith and Waugh to glean whatever tips he could.

The powerful Pocock, who debuted in Super 14 in 2006 and doesn't turn 21 until later this month, notched two Test caps off the bench on the tour.

And after yet another strong domestic campaign for the Force, he seems destined for more time in the Wallabies squad, putting heat on Waugh for the back up role to Smith, who was clearly coach Robbie Deans' first choice last season.

A dominant performance against Waugh on Saturday night could accelerate that progression but Pocock feels he still has some improvement to go before he can knock Waugh and Smith off their perch.

"They've got almost 200 caps between them so to think that you are a chance of just walking up and taking their spot, you've got to be silly," Pocock said.

"So they've got the respect and they've earned that over many years.

"I've just got to do my best this weekend and for the next five games and then see what the Wallabies selectors think.

"I picked up a lot of stuff from them in just watching the way they trained and went about their business (on tour).

"It's not a case of them going up to you and saying 'you need to work on this and that'.

"It's just more watching them at training and little things they might do where you think 'yeah, I can start to do that and use some of that in my game'."

The Waratahs' 20-6 home loss to the Bulls last week left NSW clinging to fourth spot and Pocock said the Force were preparing themselves for a backlash.

"They're a world class team if you look at their whole forward pack and backline, so to lose like that in front of their home fans, they'll be stinging and they'll come out with a bit of venom," Pocock said.

"They're such a good team defensively so it's just a matter of sticking to our guns and knowing it's going to go the full 80 minutes.

"I don't think there will be any razzle dazzle that's going to get through their defence. I think it's a case of sticking to our game plan and keep going for the full 80 minutes."

Brett Sheehan has replaced Luke Burgess at halfback for the Waratahs with Timana Tahu coming in for the injured Rob Horne at outside centre, while the Force are likely to welcome back winger Cameron Shepherd and utility back James O'Connor from injury.

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