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A defensive test deep within enemy territory has proved a crucial validation of the NSW Waratahs’ improvement a week out from the Super Rugby Pacific season.
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Pummelled in a winless season last year, the Waratahs have turned to new coach Darren Coleman to lead the revamped and youthful side out of an historic hole.
The signs of progress were there in Roma on Saturday night, the Waratahs winning the physical battle and repelling the Queensland Reds’ all-star backline in a 21-14 win.
The victory followed pre-season wins over the Brumbies and last weekend’s novel clash against three separate Shute Shield teams on one day.
Saturday’s game, about 500km west of Brisbane, almost didn’t happen when more than 2000 rowdy fans were left in darkness by a city-wide blackout 25 minutes before kick-off.
The power returned just as officials were set to call off the game and it was the Waratahs who handled the 80-minute delay best, racing to a 14-0 lead in a dominant first half.
Fullback Alex Newsome was impressive, scoring and assisting before Coleman made widespread changes and the visitors held off the Reds’ resurgence — in a big confidence booster before their season opener against newcomers Fijian Drua on Friday.
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Their defensive starch was the big takeaway considering the Waratahs conceded 154 more points than they scored across eight rounds of last year’s Super Rugby AU season.
“It was a funny start; we didn’t know whether we’d be playing or not,” Newsome said.
“But the defence was probably the best component of the first half, then the younger boys came on at the back end when (Wallabies prop Taniela) Tupou was wreaking some havoc in the scrum, to maintain some composure and close the game down.
“It wasn’t so much a statement, just for ourselves to build confidence.
“Trials are trials, but you do build confidence playing against a strong outfit like that.”
Reds coach Brad Thorn admitted they had some work to do, but that the Waratahs had shown they’ll be a threat again in 2022.
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“They won that physical battle; they have shown they’re going to be competitive,” he said.
“It’s good engagement for us, because we need to pick up our level a bit.”
Welsh recruit Jamie Roberts sauntered off after a head knock in the first half in the only injury concern for the Waratahs.
Newsome hoped to have cemented his place in the No.15 jersey, ahead of Kurtley Beale’s expected return next season and the exit of Jack Maddocks to the Melbourne Rebels in the off-season.
“I loved it, played a fair bit there coming through but there’s been a few good fullbacks that have occupied the jersey while I’ve been here … (Israel) Folau, KB (Beale) and Maddocks,” he said.
“Hopefully I can stay there.”
Comments on RugbyPass
I question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
2 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
2 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to commentsWill rugbypass tv be showing these games?
1 Go to commentsWell where do you start, the fact that England have a professional domestic league and Ireland’s is fully amatuer, that they have fully seperated professional squads at Fifteens and Sevens (7’s thinly disguised as GB), and Ireland have fully pro Sevens squad who loan some players back to the Semi-Professional Fifteens squad (moved from amateur for only a year or so) for a few games at 6N & RWC’s. The Women’s games is a shambles, and is at risk of killing itself by pushing for professionalism when the market isn’t really there to support it outside one or two countnries..
6 Go to commentsWayne Smith's input didn't have as much impact on the last final as Davison's red card for Thompson. England were 14 points up and flying when that happened.
6 Go to commentsBilly's been playing consistently well for 2 - 3 seasons now and deserves a look in at the top level. Ioane and ALB are still first choice but there needs to be injury cover and succession. His partnership with Jordie gives him first dibs you'd think. Go the Hurricanes.
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