Stand-in captain Dean Mumm believes the NSW Waratahs can prove they're Super Rugby title contenders by excelling without skipper Phil Waugh and star Tatafu Polota-Nau.

NSW coach Chris Hickey will rest the inspirational pair against the battling Cheetahs on Saturday night at the Sydney Football Stadium, with a view to ensuring they're fit for the rest of a long season.

While the Waratahs lose their biggest strike weapon and leader in the double blow, Mumm says it's the challenge the side needs after their capitulation to the Crusaders.

Polota-Nau (knee) has been in devastating form and was chiefly responsible for the Waratahs' dominant first-up wins, while Waugh (bicep) is a captain who leads by example.

Mumm wants the Tahs to take the chance to make Polota-Nau and Waugh's absences undetectable on Saturday night at the Sydney Football Stadium against very beatable opponents.

"You never want to be relying on other people and I think one of the best things about this Waratahs squad is the depth we have and I'm more confident that when any changes happen we can maintain that momentum," said Mumm, who will lead the Tahs into battle for just the second time.

"It's a significant challenge but I'm confident in the ability of the team to go forward regardless of who is in what position.

"Tafu has been excellent, his defence has been inspiring and his ball carries have also been very good so I think there's a lot of work for the forwards to do.

"But in terms of the energy, I think there's enough people there ... particularly if we can start well."

Mumm dismissed the notion that there was more pressure on him as captain, following the loss to the Crusaders.

The lock said their failed trip to Nelson is fresh on their minds, but won't cause a hangover against the Cheetahs.

"Everyone in the team wants to avenge that loss against the Crusaders, but I think it's more about us getting back to the way we want to play," he said.

"I don't think there'll be a hangover from it, we trained pretty hard last week and pretty physically, particularly up front ... I'm not too fussed about what happened against the Crusaders."

Waugh was originally meant to miss up to three months with his ruptured bicep, but was remarkably cleared to play for the Crusaders match.

Coach Chris Hickey denies that Waugh is again looking at an extended stint on the sidelines and predicted he'd be a good chance for the Tahs' following the match against the Brumbies.

"It's actually recovering quite well, he was desperate to play that Crusaders game, he really focused hard on that and he got through ... another rest will help, particularly in the long term with that injury," said Hickey.

Polota-Nau's knee should also be right for the Australian derby after the extended rest of last week's bye and sitting out Saturday's match.

John Ulugia is the leading contender for Polota-Nau's hooking spot, while Pat McCutcheon is favoured to come in for Waugh as the openside flanker.

It's believed Hickey will go with Lachie Turner in the No.13, which would allow Kiwi speedster Afa Pakalani to make his first start on the wing in a lightning fast backline.

The return of Wycliff Palu at No.8 is a huge boost for the Waratahs.

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