Don’t try telling NSW Waratahs’ coach Michael Foley that Saturday’s vital Super Rugby Australian derby against the Brumbies is a do-or-die game.

The Brumbies head the Australian conference by five points from the Waratahs, with the defending champion Queensland Reds another point adrift.

A bonus-point win for the Brumbies would give them a double-digit lead over NSW, a worrying margin for the Waratahs, given only the conference winner from Australia looks like making the playoffs.

The Waratahs and Reds are entering the round seven and eight points respectively off the sixth and last wildcard spot.

“I think there’s been a few people trying to put words into our mouth and talking about it being do or die,” Foley told reporters on Friday.

“I think with seven games to go you don’t leave yourself much if you start saying things like that, but it’s a very important game for both teams.”

Asked if it wasn’t a do or die game Foley said: “I think those sort of things are very difficult to predict with seven games to go.

“With three or four games to go, it’s a bit different.

“For us we’re prepared to play as well as we can on the back of performances we’ve had in recent weeks.”

Foley cited defence as a key focus for NSW this week following some costly lapses against the Crusaders last Sunday.

Adding spice to the scrum battle on Saturday is the front row duel between acting NSW captain Benn Robinson and former teammate Dan Palmer.

“I think it’s the first time I’ll pack down against him in a professional game, so I’m pretty excited about that,” Robinson said.

“He’s had a huge year and he’s got his trade pretty much down pat so he knows what he’s doing.”

“I think we’re both fairly short of stature front rowers, but it’s going to be a good battle.”

Robinson said the Brumbies had a good combination of experienced leaders and good youngsters.