New South Wales Waratahs will be looking to overcome a tumultuous week of suspensions as they try to get their Super 14 rugby campaign back on track against South Africa's Coastal Sharks in Sydney tomorrow.
Last season's beaten finalists will be without banned forwards Rocky Elsom and Matt Dunning arising from fighting incidents in last Saturday's 26-17 loss to the Northern Bulls in Pretoria.
The Waratahs suffered further when Wallaby winger Wendell Sailor was suspended for an additional two matches and fined an extra A$3,500 (US$2,587) in continuing fall-out over an incident outside a Cape Town nightclub while on tour in South Africa last month.
It all places extra strain on coach Ewen McKenzie's bid to keep the Sydney franchise up with the leading pack after fifth-placed NSW won their opening two away games against Queensland Reds and Western Stormers.
The Waratahs are expecting a rough time from the Durban-based Sharks, who tackled determinedly in their unlucky 22-20 loss to defending champions Canterbury Crusaders in Timaru last weekend.
The Crusaders have made three changes for tomorrow's home match against the Auckland Blues with inside-center Aaron Mauger ruled out with a hamstring injury and lock Ross Filipo and center Casey Laulala also out.
The Hurricanes, who have claimed maximum points in their three opening games, play the first of three matches in South Africa tomorrow against competition newcomers Central Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
In this weekend's other matches, Waikato Chiefs play at home for the first time against Queensland Reds today and the Stormers take on New Zealand's Otago Highlanders in Cape Town tomorrow.
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