The Bulls have always been hit hard by the annual holiday period and this year was no different.

Several key players were unavailable and others were struck down by illness, leaving Uni without a victory since their July 4 defeat of Camden.

The Bulls are sharing fifth spot with Shamrocks and desperately need a win to get their premiership aspirations back on track.

"We've got a tough road home and the boys know we need to knuckle down and work hard to get our confidence back," McCreedy said.

"We've lacked a little composure down the stretch in our last couple of games and we need more leadership from our older heads."

The Bulls are still missing four regular players, but McCreedy said his side had prepared well this week on the training field.

Games between Uni and Tech Waratahs are traditionally close battles and that trend is likely to continue this afternoon.

"We beat them in the first round but they'd be favourites for this game," McCreedy said.

"No matter where both teams are on the ladder, there's no love lost between us and it should be a bruising contest up front.

"Tech have got some exciting backs and we need to match them there. We need to lay a good platform and give our backs some quality ball."

Tech Waratahs jumped back into top spot with last week's road win over Camden and are determined to clinch the minor premiership.

The Tahs have braced themselves for a Bulls ambush.

"They've done it tough lately, but they'll be close to full strength and they really need a win," Tech Waratahs coach Paul Darby said.

"We're very wary of the fact they'll be doing everything they can to knock us off and expect them to come out with all guns blazing."

"We didn't play for the full 80 minutes when they beat us in the first round."

Meanwhile, Avondale will be keen to bounce back from last week's loss to Shoalhaven when they take on Engadine at Engadine Oval.

The Wombats slipped to second spot with the loss to Shoalies, while Engadine had to settle for a 10-all draw with Shamrocks. Vikings will be seeking their second win of the season in their home meeting with Camden, and Shoalhaven host Kiama.