The bye, along with four priceless competition points and a fortnight of largely R & R, could not come quickly enough for the depleted NSW Waratahs.

The Waratahs limped back into Super Rugby's all-important top six with their plucky 20-15 victory over the Western Force, but also added two more players to their growing casualty ward.

Flanker Pat McCutcheon hobbled out of Sydney Football Stadium in a moon boot after hurting his ankle in the last ruck of the game, while lock Sitaleki Timani will also require a scan on Monday after damaging his thumb.

The pair join Phil Waugh (hamstring), Wycliff Palu (hamstring), Tatafu Polota-Nau (concussion), Damien Fitzpatrick (knee), Pat O'Connor (shoulder) and Atieli Pakalani (hamstring) in the Waratahs rehab unit while Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell (broken ankle) is out for the rest of the competition.

Affable coach Chris Hickey is doing his best to remain upbeat, but admits next week's bye is very timely for his wounded troops ahead of a round 14 clash with the last-placed Lions.

"Hopefully with the bye round and the chance to freshen up a little bit, we'll get a few players back so that we can put a strong team out against them in two weeks' time," Hickey said.

"You don't take any games in this competition for granted at all. The Lions are a good side.

"They've got some good players and, if they get a bit of momentum, they're capable of beating any team.

"So it's important that you show every team in the competition the respect that they deserve and we know that will be a tough game again."

Polota-Nau is almost certain to return for the Lions game, while the Tahs are also optimistic that of having O'Connor, Fitzpatrick and Pakalani available.

But star pair Palu and skipper Waugh remain doubtful for NSW's two-game tour of South Africa for potentially season-turning matches against the Sharks and Bulls.

Hickey said, given all the disruptions, it was nice to be back in the top six.

"But we've just got to keep our focus on what we can control and that's each week turning up and making sure we can get a result," he said.

"If we keep doing that, I think going through the draw, lots of those top teams are going to play each other over the next five weeks.

"The Reds (the Australian conference leaders) have got a tough run with the Blues and the Crusaders still to play, so I think there's still a fair bit of movement to be done in the table."

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