NSW coach Chris Hickey has admitted the beefed-up Waratahs must continue their stranglehold over arch-rivals Queensland to ensure they control their own Super Rugby finals destiny.
Hickey has added size, starch and 243-games worth of experience to his side for Saturday night’s pivotal interstate clash by welcoming back influential captain Phil Waugh from injury as well as 50-cap centre Tom Carter and No.8 Wycliff Palu.
Former Brumbies lock Sitaleki Timani has also been given his first run-on start for NSW after making an impact off the bench to ensure the visitors produce more physicality at Suncorp Stadium than their meek start against the Blues in Auckland.
The Waratahs’ 31-17 loss at Eden Park, where they were blown away by a five-try first-half blitz, has left last year’s semi-finalists eight points behind the Reds in the Australian conference.
With just one team from each national conference guaranteed a place in the six-team play-offs, the seventh-placed Waratahs would be under immense pressure if Queensland snapped a seven-game losing streak against their traditional rivals.
“Obviously with the conference system with the way it’s operating it’s an important game for that and we’re coming off a loss so it’s very important that we turn our form around,” Hickey said.
“You’ve got to remember we’re only at the half-way point of the competition and there’s still a fair bit of footy to be played.
“(But) I guess the thing you like to think is you can keep controlling your own destiny and if we get a win on Saturday that keeps us in control of our own destiny.”
A loss would see NSW slump virtually three games behind the Reds and mean they could only fight for a wildcard play-off spot at best if Queensland, on a six-game streak, maintained their rampaging form.
While the Waratahs have been bolstered for the grudge match, the Reds are bracing for the dual losses of prop James Slipper (clavicle) and winger Rod Davies (knee).
Coach Ewen McKenzie, to name his side on Thursday morning, isn’t overly worried with former Wallabies and Brumbies tight-head Guy Shepherdson primed for a run-on debut ahead of fellow 2007 World Cup tourist Greg Holmes.
“We’ve got some good players sitting behind (Slipper) sweating for opportunities – we’d have to go back to a couple of Wallabies,” McKenzie said.
“Both are in the mix, one will get to run on while the other one will finish.”
Davies’ absence would likely see the in-form Luke Morahan, who has scored four tries in as many games, shift from fullback to wing and open up a spot for the versatile Ben Lucas to start at No.15.
The return of Wallabies duo Waugh and Palu and the aggressive Timani’s ascension also gives NSW far more depth on their bench while Carter has displaced Daniel Halangahu, with Hickey choosing to keep Kurtley Beale at five-eighth for a playmaking showdown with Quade Cooper.
“It’s a big game and they will rise to the occasion as they have done it plenty of times before,” said McKenzie. “That’s what we want (a strong opposition) – you don’t want the whole week to be about injuries.”
dodgy
Roar Rookie
Bennalong, I would have to slightly disagree...gamblers can think and often look at the "form". Although the Reds lost to the waratahs when they last played, that was six "starts' ago.Since then they have been versatile and disciplined and are yet to post a loss. You agree that they are in form, but with regards to tries....They have actually scored the second most number of tries in the competition, with 26, 3 behind the crusaders, although admittedly only one more than their oppoaition the 'Tahs. I totally agree that these clashes are mostly tight (their last clash excluded) but whether they are "as good as you want them to be".....I can only hope you support the force or the rebels, because I have loved them all despite my team losing the last 7. Really looking forward to it. On "form" , reds by 21...on history, grudge, bogie team factors...Reds by 3.
bennalong
Guest
Anyone who thinks they can pick this is a gambler, not a thinker These local derbies are rarely as good as you want them to be and are usually tight. The Reds are in great form but haven't scored many tries Will the Tahs be able to do just that? With Waugh back the Tahs will have extra steel and big Cliffy, with Mowen off the side adds significant extra grunt and speed [respectively] On form the Reds pack will outenthuse the Tahs, but their last clash will sit heavily in their memories I'm looking foreward to Burgess v Genia
Go_the_Wannabe's
Guest
Doesn't matter who Reds play, they are following "the path of the unguided arrow". I.e. they are on a roll and will be unstoppable.
Singsling
Guest
I don't think Slipper, as good as he is, would have been able to take both Kepu & Robinson
formeropenside
Guest
Douglas is off the bench this week. Timani and Mumm are the 4 and 5.
Denby
Guest
Awesome matchups everywhere Beale v Cooper Burgess v Genia Waugh v Robinson Douglas v Simmons Mitchell v Ioane It would have been great to see Slipper v Kepu & Robinson.
Harry
Guest
Don't get your hopes up for an attacking tryfest. Tahs will try and play the game of grind, by controlling it in the forwards. Also expect Waugh to be slowing the ball down all night. We'll see. Sheperdson in at tighthead and will mark Robinson ... could be the critical matchup despite all the glamour boys in the backs. Hoping Qld get their game going and put the Tahs away with panache. But a 5-3 win would do me!
jus de couchon
Guest
Cant wait. Should be great. Kurtley Beale is the business but so are the Reds.