It's hard to tell if some of Australia's Super Rugby teams actually have a deep desire to win - or are they satisfied just playing?
Some of the players don’t seem to have much of an emotional impact to losing.
Bernard Foley won’t take to the field for the Waratahs in their Round 4 match against the Brumbies, still waiting to make a return from the head knock he suffered in a pre-season trial game against the Highlanders.
Foley is said to be very close to making a return but not quite ready in time for the Waratah’s Saturday-night match.
“Bernard isn’t quite 100 per cent and still experiencing some symptoms,” said Waratahs head coach Darryl Gibson.
“He has trained all week and completed his cognitive tests. We have seen improvements but he still has some symptoms lingering.
“It’s frustrating for Bernard being so very close – he more than anyone wants to be back out on the field.
“But we won’t want to push him so we’ll give him more time and ensure we take all the necessary precautions to get him back to 100 per cent,” said Gibson.
Although the Waratahs will again be missing Foley, they do have a number of players returning from injury to hopefully boost the side.
“Having Will Skelton and Jed Holloway back in the starting line-up is a real positive. Jed is coming off a lengthy layout and he’s really ready to get back on the field as well as Ned Hanigan who has missed the opening three games. They’ll bring a fresh energy to the side,” said Gibson.
“It will be a big game for the team with Sekope [Kepu] celebrating his 100th game for the NSW Waratahs along with Michael [Hooper] and Nick [Phipps] celebrating their 100th Super Rugby caps.”
Waratahs side to play Brumbies
1. Tom Robertson, 2. Tolu Latu, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Dean Mumm, 5. Will Skelton, 6. Jack Dempsey, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Jed Holloway, 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bryce Hegarty, 11. Rob Horne, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Israel Folau, 14. Reece Robinson, 15. Andrew Kellaway.
Reserves: 16. Hugh Roach, 17. Paddy Ryan, 18. David Lolohea, 19. David McDuling, 20. Ned Hanigan, 21. Michael Wells, 22. Jake Gordon, 23. David Horwitz.
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.
Some of the players don’t seem to have much of an emotional impact to losing.
It's another big week of trans-Tasman rivalry with four Aussie teams going up against Kiwi opponents and the Brumbies hosting the Fijian Drua. See…
The final result was 4-1 for the Kiwi sides but some of the results could easily have been different with a bit more maturity from the Aussies.
What has the pressure been like on DC at Tahs HQ? Harry Johnson-Holmes chats to Christy Doran and Matt Toomua on the Roar Rugby…
Layne Morgan took time out from Mad Monday to join the Roar Rugby Podcast. Ahead of the Wallaroos squad announcement, she highlighted how much…
Sometimes it’s best to start at the finish. The Waratahs winning the Super W final 50-14 against the Drua was the cap to a…