Waratahs hungry for first win in Wellington in a decade

History shows toppling the Canes at Sky Stadium is one of Super Rugby Pacific's tallest orders for the Tahs, who have leaked an average of 35 points a game during a run of five straight defeats at the dreaded venue since a rare victory in 2015.

Little wonder the Waratahs' focus has shifted quickly from a first win over the Brumbies in seven years to upsetting the Hurricanes on home turf to continue their heady start to 2025.

"Playing away games are always tough, and then trying to get a win in New Zealand is another level," in-form back-rower Rob Leota said of Friday night's challenge.

"We've had a great start to the season and for us it's about being consistent, so we don't want to change too much.

"We just want to not go away from what's been working for us.

"The only thing that changes is we're just in New Zealand now so it's just focusing on what we can control and come game day we've just got to be prepped to go and we're going to get a victory over there in New Zealand for sure."

A refreshed Leota has been instrumental in the Waratahs winning four of their first five games this campaign, all the wins at home in Sydney.

After three years blighted by multiple leg injuries, the bruising flanker opted out of contention for the spring tour of the UK last November to try to finally get his body right.

As he put it, Leota "attacked rehab" head on and the Tahs are prospering with the former Wallaby crossing for tries and causing havoc playing in a wider role than usual.

"If I had the chance to get over there (to the UK), it was a possibility, but, no, I think we were pretty set on just staying and just getting my body right," he said.

"Once I had that clear coms to be able to do that, it just made everything easy for me.

"In previous years I was probably thinking too far ahead, but I just simplified it for myself and it was just to focus on Waratahs, playing trials before the season started and then getting picked for round one and now it's just about applying myself every week.

"I'm just trying to play as good a footy as I can for the team and get wins."

In a huge boost to the Tahs' chances, marquee signing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was on Wednesday named at outside centre for his long-awaited comeback from a toe injury.