NSW Waratahs aren’t worrying for a single second about their dreadful drought against the Crusaders going into Saturday’s Super Rugby final.

The Waratahs have lost their past 11 encounters to the Crusaders, last tasting victory against the New Zealand Super power 10 years ago.

NSW coach Michael Cheika has had his charges focusing on positive thoughts this year, which means they aren’t wasting any time thinking about their poor record against the Crusaders.

“We haven’t thought about it at all,” Waratahs’ No.8 Wycliff Palu said.

“We’ve done a lot of mental work this year and that was one of the biggest keys, forgetting all that kind of stuff.

“Especially for us players and going out there and really enjoying ourselves.”

Palu was relishing the prospect of renewing his rivalry with the great Crusaders and All Blacks back-rowers, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read.

The Waratahs star hasn’t crossed paths with the famed duo in either Super or Test combat since 2012.

“They are probably among the best players in the world and I personally haven’t played them at All Blacks or Super Rugby level for a while now, so I’m looking forward to it,” Palu said.

Palu is just one of five current Waratah starters who was part of the run-on side in their 20-12 loss to the Crusaders in the 2008 Super final in Christchurch.

The others are front-rowers Benn Robinson and Tatafu Polota-Nau, and backs Rob Horne and Kurtley Beale.

“We came pretty close,” Palu recalled.

“When KB (Beale) went down (injured), we went down with him.

“We lost our shape. It was pretty disappointing.”

One of the longest serving Waratahs, Palu remembers the bad old days of 2007, when NSW finished 13th and logged just three wins.

“Only a few years ago, we were finishing (close to) the bottom of the table, now we’re in the big one, so it’s pretty exciting,” Palu said.