Halfback Nick Phipps revealed "about five or six" NSW players, mostly those who have connections to Vickerman through club rugby for Sydney University, approached head coach Daryl Gibson about the possibility of making an appearance at their former teammate's memorial.

A public memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 2pm at Sydney University Oval No.1 to remember the life of the former Wallabies star who died a week and a half ago.

The Waratahs departed for Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon after their six-point round-one win over the Western Force.

With the emotion of Vickerman's death still so raw, Phipps said there was serious consideration from players to fly back to Sydney and then to South Africa in time for the match on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

If the plan went ahead, it would equate to approximately 43 hours of travel within the space of five days, given the Waratahs do not return from South Africa until after their game next weekend against the Sharks.

"[It was] an extremely difficult decision to make," Phipps said from South Africa. "There was about five or six of us who talked to Daryl and figured out the very earliest we could get back over here was Thursday afternoon."

The overall consensus was that Vickerman, who played 58 games for the Waratahs, would want the team to focus on the task at hand and enjoy their football.

Phipps said players were still coming to terms with the death of Vickerman, who died aged 37, leaving behind a wife and two children.

"Knowing the big fella, he probably would prefer us to be over here working hard early," Phipps said. "We'll be doing something ??? remember the big fella in our own way. It's another step for another few players remembering such a great man. We want to make sure that we remember him the best way possible.

"There was a few blokes who played a lot of footy with him at the Tahs and a fair few [Sydney] uni blokes that played with him and knew him quite well. There are different coping methods for a few players. The silver lining is the squad is quite close together and [Vickerman's death] gave us the opportunity to really get around some blokes who are battling and open the conversation between a lot of players and make sure we're looking after our best friends."

Meanwhile, Bernard Foley is still in doubt for the upcoming Waratahs match due to concussion

Foley was ruled out of the opening round due to an ongoing concussion issue that stemmed from a trial match against the Highlanders.

He did light duties at training on Monday and will need to clear all relevant protocols to line up at five-eighth.

"They'll re-go through the protocols and hopefully there will be some positive results and we can know a bit later in the week," said Waratahs assistant coach Cam Blades. "He's got to go through his progression protocols. I think if he gets through today [Tuesday] and tomorrow, hopefully he'll be sweet to be selected."

Fill-in halfback Bryce Hegarty had limited opportunities to shine on Saturday due to Sydney's wet weather.

While Phipps praised the work of Hegarty, he was hopeful Foley, a reliable partner in recent years, could make a return at No.10 to bolster the NSW backline.

"It'd be nice to have the little fella back out there again," Phipps said. "We know what a world-class player he is and I think he's itching to get back as much as anyone. Hopefully he'll get to the opportunity to be in contention for selection but in saying that, Bryce Hegarty has been training super well for us."