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Waratah management will soon meet to review the season and plan for the next. This season will get a pass mark for rugby results, mitigated by the injury toll (which incidentally was no worse than that of the Reds and other teams).
It will get a fail on the finances and the continuing decline in crowd attendance. Still ringing in their ears will be the fans’ criticism of ugly rugby, which can be further defined as reverting to type by aimless kicking when put under pressure.
Aimless kicking makes the statement that the team has run out of ideas and is kicking in the hope that the opposition will make a mistake, rather than patiently maintaining possession of the ball and sticking to a pre-determined strategy.
As admirable as the performances have been over the past month, the team with many champions in it has not become a champion team. And this has been true of every Tah team since Super Rugby started.
The Tahs have not developed a winning culture and playing style that they are prepared to stick to regardless.
Tah mangement will review coach Hickey and decide whether they want more of the same – to get into the finals and lose.
If not, they’ll find someone who has the technical understanding of the game, but more importantly the ability to inspire men into becoming a champion outfit, and creating a winning culture.
Achieve this and the crowds and finances will look after themselves.
The alternative for the Tahs is financial implosion in one of the most competitive football/entertainment marketplaces in the world.
The Tahs need a winning coach with a proven record of achievement. An insightful coach with the courage to right a moribund culture that has the ability to self-sabotage. Ewen McKenzie tried but in the end got stymied.
The $64 million question is will Tah management share this view and have the courage to appoint a coach who can build a champion rugby team, while supporting the necessary change to a winning culture in the process.
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.