Under the guidance of new coach Rob Penney, can the Waratahs overcome their lack of star power in their backline to re-claim a spot in this year's Super Rugby play-offs?
Three-test loose forward Nasi Manu has completed a remarkable comeback from testicular cancer to be named in Tonga's 31-man World Cup squad.
Tonga have finished their Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a 33-23 victory over Canada at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji on Friday.
NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has named drink-driving hooker Tolu Latu to potentially make his return from a two-week suspension in Saturday night's must-win Super Rugby clash with the Brumbies.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has resisted resting key Wallabies, naming his first unchanged starting line-up of the season for Saturday night's crucial Super Rugby showdown with the Jaguares in Sydney.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Code-hopper Karmichael Hunt has achieved more than most footballers dream of, but he still yearns for an elusive Super Rugby finals appearance.
The Waratahs have, on average, made the play-offs once every two years since their first semi-final appearance in 2002. With a record like that, anything less than a quarter-final outing will be disappointing for Daryl Gibson's men.
Budgets, players to watch, arrivals and departures - and an overview of each club at the start of the new season. Welcome to the Rugby Pass club-by-club Top 14 season preview
Kiwis are making their presence felt in November via several international teams in the north, and not just the All Blacks and Maori All Blacks.
