The Wagga club face the two other sides in the top four in the next fortnight, starting with a clash against Griffith at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday.

Waratahs took a five-point win over the Blacks when the two sides met earlier this season, which was Griffith's first game since the 2019 final series.

Wagga City, who are the only team to get the better of Waratahs so far this season, will follow in their footsteps.

Waratahs coach Michael Davis believes the club will get a real indication of where they are at.

"We've got two really tough games in a row and that will just show us where we are in regards to the competition," Davis said.

"It's starting to clear away with us, City, Griffith and Albury so to put in a good game against those teams especially will give you a lot more confidence when you do get to the finals."

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Waratahs have made plenty of changes to the side who claimed the COL Cup with a 38-5 win over Ag College last week.

James Daley, Tony Ritchie, Sai Namasumasu and Dan Selmes all return to the starting line up.

However Sam O'Leary (hamstring) and Rob Wiltshire (AC joint) remain on the sidelines.

"We're getting back to close to full strength," Davis said.

After putting on plenty of points in their last five games, averaging 49 per win, Davis believes defence will be key for tackling the Blacks.

"We have to stop their ball carriers for a start," he said.

"They have a lot of big forwards and some dominant ball-runners in the backs as well.

"We have to stop them defensively.

"It's always the same with teams like Griffith, City and Tumut, defensively you have to be on to stop their big boys."

Griffith sit in fourth, 16 points behind Waratahs but haven't played since having a 24-all draw with Albury at the start of the month.

Coach Chris McGregor admitted the three-week break hasn't been ideal but is hoping the chance to work on their mental approach as well as giving time to nurse some niggles will pay dividends in the back end of the season.

"We need to rebound and get some results, and the boys are pretty keen to play some footy," McGregor said.

"We have only played one game in a month, which isn't ideal going into Tahs, but that is footy."

Meanwhile Ag College will be looking to respond to another loss against Waratahs when they host Albury at Beres Ellwood Oval on Saturday.

Aggies have only won two games so far this season, both against CSU, and are looking to respond to a 64-5 loss when the two teams met on the border earlier this season.