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The NSW Waratahs will look to turn the distraction of an Israel Folau generated controversy into a positive for the second time in 12 months.

The NSW Waratahs will be galvanised by some Israel Folau generated controversy for a second straight year when they tackle Australian conference leaders the Melbourne Rebels in a massive Super Rugby derby

Melbourne hold a seven-point lead over the second-placed Tahs, who will go into Saturday's SCG fixture without all-time leading Super Rugby tryscorer Folau.

The star fullback was stood down by the NSW Rugby Union last week following the furore over his latest social media post and his career hangs in the balance with a code of conduct hearing expected in the coming fortnight.

It comes 12 months after Folau distracted the Waratahs and dominated the news cycle with another homophobic post.

'I suppose what we experienced last year was how well the side came together,' Waratahs vice-captain Bernard Foley said.

'When the team had their backs against the wall, there was a bit of controversy, the side really galvanised.

"So from that week and seeing this week, the team coming together, they know what job is at hand.

'There's a number of reasons for us to get up for this game - (playing the) conference leaders, an Australian derby and a couple of great milestones with Hoops' (captain Michael Hooper) 100th and also Jed Holloway's 50th game for the Waratahs."'

The match will also feature some fascinating positional battles as players vie for Wallabies selection in a World Cup year.

Perhaps the most scrutinised match-up wlll be the five-eighth battle between Test incumbent Foley and resurgent Rebels playmaker Quade Cooper.

Former Queensland star Cooper didn't play Super Rugby last year, but has performed well since joining the Rebels and and reuniting with his old Reds and Wallabies halves partner Will Genia.

"I've watched his journey this year and I think he's come back into Super Rugby seamlessly." Foley said.

"I 'think they are playing a different style where he's playing a lot flatter and taking on the line, so it's going to be a great challenge."

Foley welcomed the competition and pointed out he was pushed by Cooper, Matt Toomua and Matt Giteau before claiming Australia's No.10 jersey for the last World Cup four years ago.

One area Foley might have an early advantage over Cooper on Saturday is his greater familiarity with the SCG.

"I suppose having the mound in the middle and it being a big oval field it is a bit off-putting at the start, and also how the ends roll away, so knowing where that sideline is," Foley said.

"But I'm sure quality players will adjust pretty quickly."

Melbourne will be looking to rebound from a shock home loss to the Stormers last week.

"You can tell there's an energy about the team, they want to make up for last week's poor performance," Rebels' coach Dave Wessels said.

"We're certainly not going to be underwhelming in the contact area this week, that's for sure."