One-Test All Black Sosene Anesi is in contention for a surprise recall to the Waratahs' line-up for their Super Rugby match against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.

Condemned to second grade Sydney club rugby after being unable to break into the Waratahs' 22-man game day squad this season, the utility back was on Wednesday named in a preliminary tour party of 24 as coach Chris Hickey contends with an injury crisis.

The former Chiefs player was going around in the Sydney sub-district competition with Hunters Hill last weekend at Boronia Park but just seven days later he may perform at a World Cup final venue - Eden Park.

A hamstring injury to former Auckland winger Atieli Pakalani, who left the province for the Waratahs this year, was the catalyst for Anesi's potential reprieve.

Uncapped 19-year-old winger Tom Kingston is also a contender for a revamped back three also missing Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale, who deputises for Berrick Barnes (concussion) at five-eighth.

If Anesi impresses at training on Thursday and makes the final cut it will be his first game for the Waratahs since he suffered a shoulder injury in round 13 last year.

Trumpeted as a marquee signing when joining the Waratahs in 2010, Anesi was the starting fullback before being replaced by Beale.

Hickey said he would not finalise his squad until monitoring the Waratahs final training run before they leave for Auckland on Friday.

Inside centre Tom Carter and openside flanker Pat McCutcheon are of most concern although Hickey has confidence in the depth of his squad.

"We've got really good cover in those positions," he said.

Beale, Daniel Halangahu and Ryan Cross are all capable of slotting in at inside centre while Chris Alcock could cover McCutcheon.

Carter and McCutcheon join a growing list of sidelined Waratahs which also features Wallabies No.8 Wycliff Palu, reserve hooker Damien Fitzpatrick, New Zealand-born back Brackin Karauria-Henry plus forwards Cam Jowitt and Locky McCaffrey.

"There's no doubt the depth is being tested, but everyone who has been asked to step up already this year has done just that and we know that will continue this weekend," Hickey said.

"It was a clear focus in the off-season to build the depth of the squad and with the injuries we've taken on board in our first seven games we've needed to call on that depth.

"The beauty with the squad at the moment is we have flexibility and we have confidence that no matter which role players are asked to take on that they'll be able to do the job and do the job well."

Waratahs extended squad: Chris Alcock, Sosene Anesi, Al Baxter, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Tom Carter, Ryan Cross, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Daniel Halangahu, Josh Holmes, Sekope Kepu, Tom Kingston, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Drew Mitchell, Ben Mowen, Dean Mumm, Pat O'Connor, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Sitaleki Timani, Lachie Turner, John Ulugia.

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