Improved attack is coach Michael Foley’s focus as he attempts to prevent the NSW Waratahs’ Super Rugby season from slipping away completely.

Foley has made four changes to his Waratahs side to meet the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday morning (AEST) from the team that suffered a heart-breaking late-try loss to the Bulls last start.

Exciting runner Bernard Foley returns at fullback for Daniel Halangahu after a three-week absence through injury, with Brendan McKibbin reclaiming the halfback spot from marquee signing Sarel Pretorius.

Sitaleki Timani comes into the starting team at lock and Dave Dennis takes over at the back of the scrum, pushing Wallabies No.8 Wycliff Palu to the bench alongside Halangahu and Pretorius.

Coach Foley said he was hoping for an immediate impact from the players he moved into the starting side.

“For us, we have to be prepared and productive with our possession,” Foley said.

“Brendan made an impact in his first start putting in a man-of-the-match performance.

“Dave Dennis has been a standout player for us. He’s chomping at the bit to get back in the side, and Sita has had a major impact for us, whether from the start or off the bench.”

Coach Foley praised Halangahu’s performance in round 12 but said he and Pretorius were moved out of the side in a last-ditch attempt to kick-start NSW’s season.

“Daniel (Halangahu) did an outstanding job at 15 last week, on the back of his performance, it was a challenge reinstating Bernard but he is the more familiar in that position and he was the incumbent, Foley said.

“This is a very important game for us and Daniel’s ability to cover both 10 and 15 is a real plus.”

Foley will make a decision on Tatafu Polota-Nau’s availability later in the week as the Wallabies hooker recovers from the head knocks suffered against the Brumbies 12 days ago.

The Waratahs have enjoyed only four wins from 11 games so far this season and desperately need to get maximum points to have hope of staying in touch with Australian conference leaders the Brumbies who they trail by 12 points.

NSW Waratahs: Bernard Foley, Atieli Pakalani, Rob Horne, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tom Kingston, Berrick Barnes, Brendan McKibbin, Dave Dennis, Chris Alcock, Rocky Elsom (capt), Sitaleki Timani, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau/John Ulugia, Benn Robinson. Res: John Ulugia/John Mann-Rea, Jeremy Tilse, Kane Douglas, Jono Jenkins, Wycliff Palu, Sarel Pretorius, Daniel Halangahu.