NSW Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh wants his side to go up yet another level in its physicality for Friday's do-or-die Super rugby "quarter-final" against the Hurricanes.

The final round fixture is effectively a winner-take-all clash with the third-placed Waratahs just one point and two positions above the surging Hurricanes.

"It's like a quarter-final really, isn't it?" Waugh told reporters on Monday.

While the Waratahs produced a more committed and physical performance in their 46-19 rout of the Chiefs than in their previous loss to the Highlanders, seasoned flanker Waugh was convinced they had to step up another level for Friday's Sydney Football Stadium encounter.

"I think we need to ramp it up, it was a huge lift from the week before against the Highlanders," Waugh said.

"But it's still not to the level we need it to be, so the guys will be working hard on that."

His deputy, lock Dean Mumm, said upping the physicality was "an attitude thing".

"The games we've struggled in I'm sure it's easy to tell, are the ones that we've been physically weaker," Mumm told reporters.

Waugh rated the Hurricanes pack very highly and said they had come a long way in the last 12 months.

While Waugh felt both teams would take an attacking mindset into the game, Mumm agreed it would be a bruising forward battle.

"You look at a significant player like (Hurricanes hooker) Andrew Hore and (backrower Rodney) So'oialo, who are the heart and soul of their side and I think if they are in form and going forward, the team takes a lot of confidence out of them," Mumm said.

"Their set piece is very good but the heart of their side is in the forward pack and that's what you've got to try and eradicate."

The Waratahs leadership conceded prop Benn Robinson would be a big loss after reopening a fracture in a forearm against the Chiefs.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said either Jeremy Tilse or Dan Palmer were in line to take the place vacated by Robinson, who is expected to miss the remainder of the Waratahs' campaign.

Hickey said outside back Sosene Anesi would be out for three to four weeks with a fractured clavicle.

He said utility back Rory Sidey was likely to take Anesi's place on the bench.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP