Conrad Smith's clearance from concussion creates yet another headache for a Waratahs rugby side already dreaming up ways to contain his rampant midfield partner Ma'a Nonu.
Smith's return after missing last weekend's rousing win over the Reds enabled the Hurricanes to field a full-strength backline at precisely the right time, although halfback Piri Weepu's rolled ankle at training today has him on edge.
Whether Weepu recovers was the least of Tom Carter's concerns because his worries revolve around a Nonu-Smith combination that has been an integral feature of the Hurricanes' four-match winning streak.
Carter and Rob Horne face the unenviable task of keeping tabs on the All Blacks duo, although the Waratahs second five-eighth insists they will not be lacking in support.
Asked whether he'd had some sleepless nights with visions of a dreadlocked Nonu surging towards him, Carter initially issued a denial before smiling: "Well sometimes late at night I think about it.
"Traditionally he hits form late in the season and he's done it again this year. He's an outstanding player but we've got strategies in place.
"We need to work as a group, if you defend in isolation you get punished. If you defend together as a backline you can nullify him to an extent."
Carter, who made his Waratahs debut against Nonu in 2008, had another awkward cameo against him off the bench last season and accepts there's only so much his marker can expect to achieve.
"Ultimately he's going to break tackles and make line breaks. It's just supporting your teammates and I guess minimising when those breaks happen. We need to keep him as quiet as possible."'
The same philosophy applies to Smith, the cool headed decision maker in a maverick backline and the link to arguably the competition's most potent back three.
As a pairing, Carter rated Nonu and Smith as world rugby's premier midfield while the finishing qualities of Cory Jane, Hosea Gear and Tamati Ellison ensured the onus was also on the Waratahs forwards to cut off their supply lines at the breakdown.
Carter said the Waratahs were both encouraged and anxious after watching the Hurricanes' 44-21 victory over the Reds, a comeback that included 36 unanswered points.
"They're a momentum team, if you turn the ball over and you get loose in your strategy they punish you," he said.
"Hopefully we can exert some pressure into points like the Reds did but we have to sustain it.
"When they get on a roll it's almost impossible to stop. Reducing their ability to play and not letting them get into a rhythm is the key."
This contest to determine which of two teams reach the semifinals was always destined to be a clash off styles -- the Hurricanes' expansive approach against the Waratahs' so-called conservatism.
Widely criticised for a dour gameplan the Waratahs are still second best in points scored, although it is their defence where they sit second equal which is likely to carry them through to the top four.
"If you turn it into a free flowing sevens style, that's when the Hurricanes hurt you," Carter said.
"You want to attack but it's also about being structured and nullifying their ability to play off unbroken play. That's where they're the best in the competition."
Meanwhile, Waikato utility back Sosene Anesi may have played his last match as a Waratahs imported player after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury against the Chiefs last weekend.
Anesi's one-year deal expires at the end of the tournament and he will return to Hamilton for the national provincial competition.
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said negotiations regarding Anesi re-signing would start soon.
The one-test All Black started the season at fullback but since round seven he has been usurped by Kurtley Beale and confined to a reserves bench role.
