The NSW Waratahs have made a pact to win back their fans with a stylish, season-defining win over Super Rugby's benchmark Crusaders.
They host the unbeaten competition leaders on Sunday with their finals hopes in the balance after a ho-hum two-from-five start.
But skipper Michael Hooper hopes last week's thrilling comeback win over the Melbourne Rebels, after trailing 25-6 at halftime, will prove the spark that revived the Tahs' 2017 fortunes.
"The comeback gave it that extra little bit for the viewers," the champion flanker said at Saturday's captain's run at Allianz Stadium.
"That's how we want to play. Look at our stats, it's sharing the workload. That's Waratahs footy.
"Playing our style of rugby is very exciting for the fans. We've just got to do it.
"We want to have fans come to the game (saying), "can't wait to watch these guys get the ball in their hands.
"And we love the fans when they get involved. We've got great fans, passionate fans so, yes, we want to play for them.
"It's a huge challenge and opportunity for us tomorrow against an undefeated team this season - and at home.
"We haven't really put a team to the sword at home, scraping by against (the Western Force) and then losing to the Brums so we're really keen to put on a good showing for our home crowd tomorrow."
Hooper believes the classy and grit of the Waratahs' victory, featuring four unanswered second-half tries, was the ideal preparation and confidence booster for the Crusaders.
He even believes facing the winless Rebels after three straight defeats posed a bigger challenge than opposing the seven-times champions from Christchurch.
"I know the Rebels have been having their own struggles but (losing) three on the trot. To dig out of that was hard," Hooper said.
"(It's) our first Kiwi team, so it's a new challenge. Probably not our biggest challenge but definitely a new challenge to see where we're at against a different style and a team showing all the right things so far.
"Their ability to play for 80 minutes has been really impressive. Three games they were down and managed to come back and win after being behind on the scoreboard.
"We did that last week. It was extremely tough. So to do that a couple of times shows the metal of their team."
After inspiring the Waratahs' fightback with an attacking masterclass, Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley will again be missing for the Tahs after suffering more post-concussion symptoms.
But Hooper is backing 21-year-old rookie Mack Mason, a former Australian under-20s and Melbourne Storm junior star, to stand up on his Super Rugby debut.
"He's got a good background, a tough background with his league, and then his 20s stuff last year for a smaller guy, I'm really impressed with him so far and looking forward to seeing him play," the skipper said.
"With Nard being out, really happy someone like that can step in and be confident and comfortable."
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