"Our team is very grateful to Tatafu and Leicester Tigers for helping us fill a short-term injury cover," NSW coach Daryl Gibson said.

"We entered a loan arrangement always knowing Leicester would want him back in England in the near future.

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"Tatafu slotted back into the squad with such ease and was a big contributor for the squad. It also gave Tatafu the chance to show Aussie selectors how he’s progressing ahead of the World Cup."

Gibson and forwards coach Simon Cron are now sweating on prop Shambeckler Vui making it back for this week, and are also bringing in young hooker Andrew Tuala, who played with the Emerging Waratahs in their games against Auckland and the Brumbies Runners this month.

"[Vui] is working his way back to full fitness and Andrew Tuala will also come into the squad. Tuala had two great games with our Emerging Waratahs side and has been working hard at our training sessions," Gibson said.

The NSW Waratahs take on the Crusaders this Saturday night at Sydney Cricket Ground.