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In 2009, had the Waratahs scored just one more try, they would have made the Super 14 semi finals. Ironically, previous coach Ewen McKenzie was sacked for playing ugly rugby in 2007.
In 2009, Hickey took ugly rugby to a new level of ugliness.
In the off-season, three high profile backs were recruited in Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell and Sosene Anese – the new $2M backline. The coaching staff had suggested that making line breaks was not the issue for the Tahs, but finishing those breaks off was.
We are now into the 2010 season and not much has changed.
First up the Tahs (undeservedly in my opinion), were able to squeak out a win against a valiant Reds side. The change in refereeing emphasis to force the tackler to roll away and not play the ball lifted the tempo of the game and the result was great game of rugby, that somehow the Tahs won.
In the second round, the Tahs regressed back to their 2009 style and got hammered three tries to nil in the process. Little was shown in attack and the $2M backline were left lamenting as to what might have been.
The Tahs have scored just two tries in two games thus far.
Hickey (and backs coach Weismantel) are in their second year of coaching the Tahs, and yet there is no discernible change in the playing style of the Tahs since McKenzie’s era.
This weekend the Tahs play the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, who have just come off a convincing win over the committed, talented and determined Brumbies.
Last year’s Super 14 premiers and the best coached team – the Bulls – have somehow managed to completely reverse their 2009 kick centric playing style to now running the leather off the ball.
Coach Hickey is yet to make his mark on the Waratahs in 2010.
The game has changed – the Tahs haven’t.
This weekend will be fascinating from this aspect. For if the Tahs try to beat the Bulls by kicking the ball back at them, they are going to get hammered. And if this happens, the drums of change will start to beat for Coach Hickey.
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.