Saturday’s top of the table NSW derby between the Sydney Rays and NSW Country is set to be an absolute cracker and some of the individual battles will be just as good.

With bragging rights and potentially Waratahs jerseys on the line, we’ve selected a handful of key match-ups ahead of tomorrow’s match.

Damien Fitzpatrick v Tolu Latu

With Tatafu Polota-Nau’s NSW departure expected to be announced in the coming weeks, hookers Damien Fitzpatrick and Tolu Latu get an opportunity to go head to head in front of Daryl Gibson and Cam Blades tomorrow. While recently signed Fitzpatrick has more experience, Latu has been brilliant for the Eagles in the opening three rounds. Could go either way.

Will Miller v Rowan Perry

Miller and Perry both come from the same mould. Hard nosed openside flankers that play well above their weight with little to no regard for their own bodies. Both the Rays and the Eagles will be eager to play off quick, front foot ball and both flankers will be looking to spoil that. The battle at the breakdown could decide the match. Neither player has a contract for next season but a dominant performance tomorrow could change that.

Matt Lucas v Jake Gordon

24-year old Lucas appears to be above 23-year old Gordon in the Waratahs scrumhalf pecking order but the Eagles No.9 will be out to change that tomorrow. Gordon was the second leading tryscorer and one of the form players in this year’s Shute Shield, while Lucas only played limited minutes for the Waratahs from the bench. The battle at the base of the scrum is another that could go either way and one the Waratahs coaches will be keeping a very close eye on.

Irae Simone v Kyle Godwin/Dave Horwitz

Irae Simone picked up the Shute Shield rookie of the year award this year and was signed by the Waratahs on an EPS contract shortly after leading Norths to the 2016 premiership. The 21-year old gets an ideal opportunity to prove he is ready to play Super Rugby tomorrow, lining up against two of the best young centres in the country. Horwitz has been the form player of the competition so far and will be eager to keep Simone as far away from the Waratahs No.12 jersey as possible.

Cam Clark v Angus Roberts

While we won’t get a chance to see newly signed Waratahs back Cam Clark face incumbent fullback Andrew Kellaway, Angus Roberts is more than a handy replacement. Former Aussie 7s star Clark has been impressive since returning to XVs and Rays coach Simon Cron has suggested that the 23-year old “still has another 20-30% in him.” Roberts was strong in front of his home crowd in Tamworth last week and has a point to prove playing against Clark. An all round brilliant footballer, he’s certainly still good enough for Super Rugby, if he gets another chance.