Alex Newsome set to replace Israel Folau

The Waratahs are mulling over replacements for Israel Folau, with a handful of options on the table, according to forwards coach Simon Cron.

Cron confirmed Israel Folau, who injured his hamstring in the Sydneysiders' win over the Brumbies at the weekend, would be out for four weeks, putting him on track to return against the Blues on May 5, the beginning of a block of trans-Tasman matches for the Waratahs.

“They've had a scan and they believe it's more muscular than tendon based and it's going to be four weeks at this stage is what they're saying, pretty accurate assumption post-game,” he told the Australian Rugby Union's official website.

Alex Newsome would seemingly be first in line, impressing off the bench against the Brumbies, with Cam Clark a chance  to slot into the 23, Cron said.

"Alex Newsome came on and played for most of that game, 75 minutes, played really well so he's a genuine option," he said.

"You've got Cam Clark coming back from injury, Bryce Hegarty playing 15, he's been going well. So there's a few options for us in those wide channels."

Taqele Naiyaravoro’s form is heartening for the Waratahs as well, with the big man scoring consecutive doubles and easily bouncing off Henry Speight in last weekend’s clash.

“He gives us something different, he gives us line bend, he gives us gain line quite well,” added Cron.

“Off set piece, he's a big bit of meat and when he gets his timing right he's hard in motion to stop.

“The key thing is there's still work ons in his game, we've got things in his game that he's constantly working on so that he can be the best he can be and he knows those areas of work on but he's a weapon.

“Speight didn't tackle him too well in that last one down the sideline.”