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#Believe2014 is the new social media tag for the Waratahs. It’s a final plea to the boat shoes brigade to stick with them instead of joining the bloods down the road.
There is cause for optimism beyond last year and credit should go to Michael Cheika for retaining his best players from last year and kick starting the careers of guys like Will Skelton, Bernard Foley, Peter Betham and Cam Crawford.
Looking at the team list for this weekend’s fixture against the Force, the forward pack has enough to match bigger sides with Tatafu Polota Nau, Paddy Ryan, Will Skelton and Wycliff Palu, providing four physical ball running options.
1. Benn Robinson, 2. Tatafu Polota Nau, 3. Paddy Ryan, 4. Will Skelton, 5. Kane Douglas, 6. Dave Dennis (c), 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Wycliff Palu, 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Peter Betham, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Alofa Alofa, 15. Israel Folau
Replacements: 16. Tola Latu, 17. Jeremy Tilse, 18. Sekope Kepu, 19. Jacques Potgieter, 20. Stephen Hoiles /Pat McCutcheon, 21. Brendan McKibbin, 22. Rob Horne, 23. Matt Carraro /Cam Crawford
Although the squad incorporates able forward replacements from the bench, none are really pushing for a starting berth.
The biggest concerns for the Waratahs are at hooker and in the second row.
Tatafu rarely strings five games together without an injury, meaning Tola Latu will be heavily relied upon in his debut year.
It would be wise to give Latu plenty of minutes during the first part of the season because come Round 7 against the Sharks in Durban, a situation where Latu is called upon with less than 80 minutes under his belt will have Bismarck and his boys frothing at the mouth.
Second row must also be a concern for Waratahs with Jacques Potgieter primarily a back rower in his previous life.
With Skelton not exactly being a complete second rower himself, given he wasn’t lifted in the lineout last year, an injury to either Kane Douglas or Dave Dennis would certainly limit their ability at lineout time.
Kurtley Beale has been the focus of any talk regarding the Waratahs backline. His so called ‘combination’ with Bernard Foley has been adopted by the media as the basis for #Believe2014 all because of this (at 15 seconds).
There’s no doubt that Kurtley will continue to be dangerous when against tired defence when receiving great front foot ball.
Time will tell as to whether he has anything to offer at 12 in tighter games. In terms of his own defence, if he hangs off at 12 like he does at 15, the mid field will be an easy target this year (see at 36 seconds).
Goal kicking was a huge issue last year and something that cost them dearly.
Time will tell as to whether Foley or Beale have rectified this but as history shows (Chiefs – Aaron Cruden, Bulls – Morne Steyn, Crusaders – Dan Carter) you generally need a reliable goal kicker to win the tournament.
It’s hard to predict the Australian conference, especially since the Reds and the Brumbies are starting the season with new coaches.
It would seem to be the closest the three teams have been in years but I’ll take the Waratahs for third once again this year.
#Believe2015 because another year of experience for these guys as a group is required before the rewards can come.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.