"They're definitely one of the best," McCaw said of NSW's back-row trio of Rocky Elsom, Phil Waugh and Wycliff Palu. "They all play for the Wallabies and Palu and Rocky Elsom are definitely one of the reasons they have got their game going in the last wee while. They are good ball carriers, good around the park and Phil Waugh is obviously everywhere. They have been a big part of getting their game sorted and getting into the final."

McCaw is especially wary of Palu, the Waratahs' top tryscorer this season. "They have used him and Rocky Elsom well in tandem to carry the ball," McCaw said. "When you get guys going across the advantage line, it allows guys to operate. They have certainly done that well."

One Waratah he will not want to underestimate for his barging ball-carrying work and deceptive flight of foot is second-rower Dean Mumm. The 24-year-old will start alongside Dan Vickerman in the tight five. But the former King's School student who is in his second season of Super 14 rugby is also a strong back-rower.

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie believes the Auckland-born forward should be rewarded with selection in the Wallabies squad named on Monday.

His progress has been exceptional considering he was thrown into the Super 14 last year after Vickerman and Al Kanaar were ruled out for the season with injuries. Mumm and Will Caldwell, who is on the bench tonight, had to fill the void. And while the year soured for NSW with a worst ever 13th place, it gave them invaluable experience.

"That was a great learning experience for them. In terms of winning and losing it wasn't great, but I think they developed, and particularly Dean," McKenzie said. "He a very athletic player, possibly one of the fastest forwards in Australian rugby. He has found ways to bring that to the table. His athleticism has been outstanding for us.

"He took the six position for a number of games and played very well when we played the Blues in round eight. With the athleticism he has got, he could play that full-time."

Asked if Mumm deserved a Wallabies call-up, McKenzie said: "We generally only bring people into our squad who we think have got the ability to play for Australia. In that sense, I think he has the ability. Whether someone else does, I don't know."