A year ago Hoiles looked to be on the rugby scrap heap, cut loose by the Brumbies at the end of 2011 and having spent the next three years on the sideline with a frustrating Achilles injury.

But having sat on the bench for the Waratahs in the first of their two grand-final losses, to the Crusaders in 2005, the 32-year-old is desperate to make the most of his second chance.

The Waratahs have not beaten the Crusaders in 10 years, losing the past 11 games to the seven-time champions. But Hoiles wants the Waratahs to embrace the pressure that is on them to finally deliver a title.

"[In 2005] we were probably a bit gun shy, we didn't fire our shots," Hoiles said. "We were a bit in awe of the Crusaders back then, I don't think there's a more respected side in world rugby than the Crusaders.

"I do believe we're a side that won't die wondering. We'll put everything on the line. If you show all your cards and you lose, you can live with that. You don't want to go out there and be afraid of losing. This journey has taught me a lot about life, but I knew what I had to do and I've never enjoyed my rugby so much."

When Hoiles joined the Brumbies, he was tasked with captaining a team that included George Smith, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Rocky Elsom and Adam Ashley-Cooper.

ACT Brumbies coach Jake White took over from Andy Friend at the end of 2011, showing Hoiles the door as the flanker struggled with a chronic Achillies injury.

"Yeah people probably gave up on me, but rightly so," Hoiles said. "I hadn't played in three years, but I never cared what people thought. That was the least of my worries ... that wasn't going to help me get back. And to be honest, I can't really believe where I am at the moment."

Hoiles sought a solution. After 11 flights in 11 days, a Swedish surgeon saved him.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika gave him a small window to impress, and Hoiles wasted no time making the most of it. A season-ending knee injury to Waratahs captain Dave Dennis has opened the door for Hoiles to join a team of superstars again, this time NSW boasting Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale, Ashley-Cooper, Michael Hooper and Wycliff Palu.

Hoiles believes the Waratahs are on the cusp of history.

"In Canberra there was a lot of expectations on players to have input on how we beat teams," Hoiles said. "But players are players and coaches are coaches. That's what I like about this [Waratahs team], the coaches come up with the way to beat teams and the players trust that.

"I know how hard it is to get opportunities like this. To get back here, I'm proud of the fact I've had to work really hard. Sometimes the journey can be given to you, but I certainly worked hard and I also believe I needed a lot of luck ... injuries have been cruel but in a weird way they've also helped me get an opportunity."