The Sharks may have to call up rookie prop Nick Schonert for their match against the Waratahs in Sydney this weekend as there are two front row injury concerns.

Sharks coach John Plumtree says that his front row in particular is proving to be troublesome.

"We're looking at flying (The Sharks XV) Nick Schonert over to cover tighthead prop because I'm pretty sure one of Jannie du Plessis or Wiehahn Herbst won't make it this weekend and you've got to have tighthead cover," he told the Sharks website.

The Sharks will have to be at their best this weekend as they have a poor record against the Waratahs as they last won in Sydney back in 2000 and have only won twice in nine attempts.

"Yes, we had a long meeting about this: why we've failed in Sydney and in Canberra as well - we don't have a great record there either. "

"We've managed to beat them at home, but we haven't had much success here. "

"We just need to put emphasis on making sure we don't get distracted while we're here, that rugby is the reason why we're here, winning is why we're here.

"That we really focus this week on having as good as possible build-up to Saturday."

Plumtree is aware that the Waratahs will be keen to play this weekend as they have won just once in four outings and will want to get their campaign well on track; sooner rather than later.

"The Waratahs have always been difficult to beat in Sydney, but as the Force showed against them (winning 21-20 in Sydney this past weekend), it's not an impossible task," Plumtree pointed out.

"They will be pretty focused on Saturday, they will be desperate not to drop a second home game."

"It's going to be a tough encounter, but we've got to put in a performance we're proud of."