The Tahs will head to WIN Stadium for the second time in 12 months when they take on the Crusaders on May 29.

The hosts will look to drastically improve on last year's game, with Dempsey scoring a try in his side's 51-14 defeat to the Chiefs. The Waratahs are also keen to atone after going winless through their 2021 Super Rugby Australian domestic campaign.

The upcoming Trans Tasman clash offers the Tahs a shot at some redemption.

"It's all about winning games and putting on some performances we can be proud of. We're looking to repay the fans for sticking with us through a tough year," Dempsey, 27, said.

"But it will be tough. With the Crusaders, it's been well documented how good they've been over the last decade and longer. So they're the cream of the crop. But we're looking forward to the challenge. We beat them in Sydney in 2019 but then obviously lost to the last year on their turf, so we're looking to come back to NSW and see how we hold up against them."

Read more: Waratahs thrilled to return to Wollongong for clash with Crusaders

Dempsey also looks forward to the chance to get out of Sydney and plan in front of Illawarra's fans again.

"We played down here last year just before Covid against the Chiefs. For me personally, and a lot of the lads, it was the first time we had played down in this area and it was really exciting," he said.

"The atmosphere was awesome. You had families and kids on the hill, and the stands were packed... hopefully some of those fans will come back to watch us."