NSW hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau says the Waratahs forwards are determined to reassert themselves as a dominant pack against the Chiefs in Saturday's must-win Super 14 rugby clash in Hamilton.

The Waratahs forwards were comprehensively outplayed by the Highlanders at a rainy Invercargill on Friday, where they were outmuscled at the breakdown in a 26-10 loss.

Wallabies hooker Polota-Nau, who returned to the side last Friday after missing the previous game with a shoulder injury, said the NSW forwards had discussed their shortcomings from that game.

He was adamant the Waratahs' woes were down to attitude rather than technical deficiencies.

"As a group we weren't very happy with our efforts on Friday, we are a much better and capable side than that," Polota-Nau told AAP.

"The onus on us is to make sure we put our best foot forward on Saturday.

"It's definitely an attitudinal thing. We just want to make sure that as a forward pack, we are dominant."

Polota-Nau anticipated the Chiefs pack would adopt a similar approach to the one employed by the robust Highlanders.

"They will probably look to go around the same area to exploit us, but we've got to make sure that we can rule that out by just getting the confidence once again during the training week," Polota-Nau said.

"It's about their forwards giving their backs forward momentum.

"They are a big pack and they use their forwards really well, so if we make sure we bring our attitude to stop them from getting any forward momentum, then hopefully we are in with a chance."

NSW coach Chris Hickey is poised to pick his strongest front row combination, by reuniting Benn Robinson with Polota-Nau and Al Baxter.

Prop Robinson arrived in New Zealand on Sunday after missing the Waratahs last two games due to some small fractures in a forearm.

Youngster Dan Palmer filled in manfully for Robinson last week.

"Dan Palmer really filled Benn's boots - which are big shoes to fill - really well and I give him full credit for playing loosehead, when he is more of a tighthead," Polota-Nau said.

"But having Benn back, he's just another experienced campaigner and he really knows how to control a set piece, both in scrums and lineouts."

Robinson and centre Rob Horne, who also flew to New Zealand on Sunday after missing the last two matches, trained on Monday along with Robinson and the remainder of the squad.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP