All Blacks Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock and Elliot Dixon all return along with co-captain Ash Dixon and centre, Rob Thompson.
The Highlanders met the Waratahs once this season in Sydney, losing 41-12, though the last time the two sides met in the playoffs, the southerners won away from home on their way to the title in 2015.
Coach Aaron Mauger said Saturday's an exciting opportunity.
