NSW coach Chris Hickey is prepared to fall on his sword for the good of the Waratahs.

Hickey's three-year contract effectively came to an end with Friday night's 26-13 Super Rugby elimination final loss to the Blues at Eden Park.

It was the second consecutive season the Waratahs have made the playoffs in the competition but failed in an opening-week final overseas.

Although last season they made the top four, and lost to the Stormers in Cape Town, their 2011 effort to finish fifth in the expanded competition was more meritorious considering an injury crisis which left them missing nine regular starters in Auckland.

But a favourable win-loss record is unlikely to ensure Hickey retains his job with assistant coach and former Wallabies hooker Michael Foley viewed as the man to take the reins in 2012.

NSW is Australian rugby's biggest province and their inability to win a title in 16 seasons of Super Rugby, as well as intense criticism of their conservative style through 2011, brings pressure for change.

Hickey on Saturday dodged questions whether was keen to continue and said he would be guided by what's best for his team following a post-season review.

"We will sit down and have a good look at the season and make some decisions once we've conducted that review process," he told AAP.

"I don't think it's about the coach, it's about the team, and we'll make decisions for the team based on that.

"And we'll make decisions about my future based on that as well.

"That's the best way to run things."

Despite NSW needing to replace retiring skipper Phil Waugh and Melbourne-bound game-breaker Kurtley Beale, Hickey was confident the Waratahs were well placed to be title contenders next year.

Beale's loss is off-set by the acquisition of Wallabies utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper from the Brumbies, while Test winger Drew Mitchell will return from ankle surgery.

"One of the things that came out of our injuries this was the exposure of a whole new range of players and we will have our quality injured players back and able to step in," Hickey said.

After losing key quartet Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Daniel Halangahu and Luke Burgess this week, NSW were brave and led early but were eventually outgunned by the Blues.

"The belief and commitment was superb (all season) and I'm quite proud of what they were able to do in the circumstances," Hickey said.

Both locks Kane Douglas and Sitaleki Timani suffered knee injuries and will have scans in Sydney on Sunday.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP