Waratahs coach Chris Hickey has declared the pressure on his team to finally win their maiden Super Rugby crown is different this season than in years past.

NSW have a history of cracking under the weight of public expectation, and after 15 seasons of Super competition, the trophy cabinet is still empty.

However, in recent campaigns, the Waratahs have finally found some consistency, and Hickey said the only pressure existent now is the lofty expectations the 'Tahs have set for themselves.

In the past six years, NSW have only bombed out once, in 2007, and by keeping virtually the same squad together from last year, they seem as well positioned as ever.

Sure, their talents have been spruiked before, but the Waratahs say self-belief is at an all-time high.

"I think there is good confidence amongst the group and there's a feeling there's some business they'd really like to finish from last year," said Hickey, still feeling some pain from the 2010 semi-final loss to the Stormers.

"The reality is there's a lot of water to pass under the bridge between now and the finals series, but we feel we're well placed at this stage, both in terms of the physical preparation, our skills and also our strategic understanding of how we want to play the game.

"There's no higher expectations than this team has for themselves, so public expectation is not a burden to carry."

As the Waratahs have painfully discovered many times before, games aren't won on paper. However, the quality of their squad and their depth in key positions stands them in good stead for the extended competition.

Wycliff Palu is back from a knee reconstruction and has used his 10 months off to build power in the gym. Tatafu Polota-Nau has also over his troublesome ankle injury, while the pack across the board have added significant weight and athleticism to their frames.

Hickey has some pleasant selection headaches to work through in his near all-Wallabies backline.

Kurtley Beale will find a permanent home at fullback, but the coach must decide between Berrick Barnes and Daniel Halangahu at flyhalf.

While Barnes is the best chance to play No.12 for Robbie Deans in the World Cup, Hickey is adamant Australian positions and preferences will never be a factor in state selection.

"Most of our players in the backline can play at least two positions well and that adds to our depth," added Hickey, who believes the carrot of the World Cup will be a motivation for his team rather than a distraction.

"I thought Berrick played well for the Wallabies at 10, we've seen him put in some really strong performances at 12, so that versatility is really important.

"From a coaching point of view, it's great to be in a position where you've got to make choices about players."

Lachie Turner has been mooted as an option at No.13, while Rob Horne, Ryan Cross and Tom Carter will also battle it out for centre positions.

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