NSW are out to prove they're worthy title favourites when they tackle Super Rugby's most successful side the Crusaders on Friday night in Nelson.

The Waratahs are dominating the Australian Conference and lead the Super competition overall after two weeks of play.

In thrashing Melbourne and Queensland in the opening two rounds, the Tahs' didn't concede a single try, but they realise they haven't proven anything until they can stand up to the Crusaders.

While the seven-time Super champions have been forced away from their home in Christchurch, their makeshift home at Trafalgar Park in Nelson will be bursting with emotion.

The Crusaders didn't play last week's scheduled match against the Hurricanes as a mark of respect for the victim's of the Christchurch earthquake, and this is their first chance to honour the people they represent.

While rugby is insignificant in the scheme of all the devastation, players realise Friday's match is the 80 minute release the people of Christchurch have been looking for.

The Waratahs' record against the Canterbury side isn't pretty anyway, and Chris Hickey's men know the task is going to be even tougher this week given the circumstances.

"Playing the Crusaders any week is tough but early on it's going to be very hard with their emotion running high," said prop, Al Baxter.

"(Emotion) will probably get them through the first 20-30 minutes but after that you get into the game.

"I'm pretty sure it'll get back into the normal rhythm."

But by normal rhythm, Baxter means what's normal for the Crusaders.

Although they lost their opening clash with the Highlanders, the Crusaders are again one of the teams to beat - and NSW will need to rise to the physical challenge.

Forward Dave Dennis said the Tahs will need to improve at the set-piece if they're to challenge an All-Black dominated forward pack.

"We have to take a step-up there particularly at the scrum, they've got an All-Blacks front-row, so definitely our physicality around the park will need to improve," said Dennis.

"Against the Rebels and Reds we've won the tackle contest and really done well to get momentum to get over the advantage line so the backs have got that clean ball."

Getting the team on the front foot will be even more important this week with Daniel Halangahu coming in for his first starting appearance of the season in place of the injured Berrick Barnes.

The 26-year-old said he can't worry about opposite Dan Carter, and declared he'll be comfortable out in the middle.

"With the Crusaders it's not an individual battle, I'm not going out there to play Dan Carter. We're going over as a team," he said.

"You look at the guys around me, Luke Burgess, Tom Carter - these guys I've played more games with than anyone else ... I think the combination issue will quickly sort itself out.

"I'm quite experienced at stepping in for big games."

The other focus of the match will be on Sonny Bill Williams, as the ex-league star makes his Super debut.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said inside centre Carter and the Waratahs were prepared.

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