Down but not out, the NSW Waratahs accept beating the Queensland Reds in Saturday night's make-or-break Super Rugby derby is a non-negotiable.
Three successive defeats to South African opposition have sent the Waratahs spiralling to 13th on the ladder and fourth in the Australian conference, five rounds out from the play-offs.
But coach Daryl Gibson says morale in the camp is still high and he's backing the Tahs' fierce will to retain bragging rights over the Reds to spark a season revival at Suncorp Stadium.
The Waratahs have won their past 10 encounters with their oldest rivals stretching back to their last loss to the Reds in 2013.
With the Brumbies having the bye, both the Waratahs and Reds have a big opportunity to make inroads on the Australian conference leaders.
"There's a lot at stake this weekend," Gibson said.
"I don't know about the points ladder but there's a real history between the two teams. That's what we're really focused on.
"It's a game our boys enjoy playing. There's an extra spice in it, particularly the way the Reds approach the game as well.
"So plenty on the line."
With derbies to come also against the Brumbies and Rebels, the Tahs maintain that their finals fate rests in their own hands.
"That's the optimism we're going into these games with, given the table is so close," Gibson said.
"Anything can happen. We've got to give ourselves a chance.
"We know we're still in the fight. Morale is really high. We had a really positive trip to South Africa.
"The boys enjoyed themselves on tour and enjoyed each other's company and we're coming back in a really positive mood."
Caned 11-2 in the penalty count in their 29-28 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg at the weekend, the Waratahs planned to express their frustrations to SANZAAR's head of referees Lyndon Bray.
"We regularly talk to SANZAAR and have got regular correspondence with Lyndon and we'll put our usual submissions in that we do every weekend," Gibson said.
