The NSW Waratahs have warned the Melbourne Rebels they'll also be fighting for survival in Sunday's high-stakes Super Rugby derby in Sydney.
Uncertainty around the Melbourne franchise's future in the competition has dominated the build-up and even the Waratahs say they feel for their peers at the Rebels.
But monster lock Will Skelton - one of three Wallabies recalled to the NSW starting line-up - says there can be no room for sentiment as the Waratahs strive to keep their finals hopes flickering.
The Tahs are five points adrift of the Brumbies in the race for Australian conference honours, leaving victory over the Rebels as a non negotiable.
"We've got some friends doing it tough in Melbourne who we feel for but once you cross over that white line, it's all about the footy," Skelton said.
"Regardless (of their situation), they're a footy team and every week you go out there to play your best and I think they'll bring that this week."
London-bound Skelton is also conscious that with the 2014 champions walking the finals tightrope, his Waratahs days are numbered - and that's only adding to motivation levels.
"There's a few guys leaving in the team and we've identified that this could potentially be the last five times we wear the jersey," he said.
"So we want to make that special and I think that's every individual's motivation.
Coach Daryl Gibson is looking for a big performance from Skelton after recalling the 140kg behemoth, along with Wallabies half Nick Phipps - who replaces Jake Gordon on the ongoing halfback merry-go-round - and powerhouse winger Taqele Naiyaravoro, who returns from injury.
Gibson insisted he wasn't bothered that he still hadn't settled on his first-choice starting side 13 rounds into the season.
"It's not concerning. We're really searching for that performance. We've talked a lot around we're an excellent team for 40 minutes," he said.
"Our focus is to be an 80-minute team. When we do that, I believe we can be unbeatable. We've shown that against some excellent sides.
"That's the challenge to our players .... certainly that's what we're aiming for. We need to be unbeatable for the next five games."
NSW Waratahs: Israel Folau, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Cam Clark, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan Will Skelton, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu. Tom Robertson. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Paddy Ryan, Angus Taavao, David McDuling, Jed Holloway, Jake Gordon, Bryce Hegarty, Irae Simone.
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