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Tahs' Daryl Gibson: 'I'm not a bad coach'

13th July, 2017
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The Waratahs are struggling under coach Daryl Gibson. (Photo: Waratahs)
13th July, 2017
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NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson says one bad Super Rugby season doesn’t make him a bad coach.

The Tahs are running fourth out of five Australian teams with just four wins from 14 games going into Saturday’s final round match with Western Force in Perth.

“It’s certainly been a challenge and one that I’ve really learnt a great deal from and that’s coaching,”Gibson said.

“Having one bad season doesn’t make me a bad coach. I’ll certainly learn from it, treat it all as feedback and get about trying to transform it and do it quickly.”

Gibson revealed the Tahs had utilised a sports psychologist this year and would continue to do so.

“When you’re under financial constraints it’s usually the first thing that gets axed in a program and one that’s a luxury to have,” Gibson said.

“It’s certainly one that we’ve invested in, we recognise the need for one and going forward it’s certainly going to be a part of our program.”

Gibson made one change to his starting side for Saturday..

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Winger Taqele Naiyaravoro replaces Bryce Hegarty who suffered a hamstring strain in last weekend’s loss to the Jaguares.

Wallabies’ halfback Nick Phipps returns on the bench for his first selection since suffering an ankle in late may.

“There’s bound to be a little bit of rustiness, so we decided against starting him and we’re going with Jake (Gordon),” Gibson said.

Wallabies front rowers Paddy Ryan and Tolu Latu were unavailable due to elbow and neck injuries respectively.

Gibson expects the Force to target his team’s ruck defence after they were exposed in that area last week.

“No doubt the Force would have seen that, they will be coming at us there, so we’ve done a lot of work around making sure thats really solid.”

Waratahs team (15-1): Israel Folau,Taqele Naiyaravoro, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Cam Clark, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (capt), Jack Dempsey, Dean Mumm, Ned Hanigan, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Hugh Roach, David Lolohea, AngusTaavao, David McDuling, Ryan McCauley, Nick Phipps, Mack Mason, Andrew Kellaway.

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