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The NSW Waratahs have notched their worst ever start to a Super Rugby season and are in desperate need of some tinkering. Changes need to be made to the line up in order for the Waratahs to have a chance of saving their season.
The most perplexing selection has been the constant choice of Daniel Halangahu at number 10. Halangahu is a solid player, dependable and a good kicker, but he is not the man to unlock Super Rugby defences or ignite a powerful attack.
With Berrick Barnes injured in the early rounds it made some sense for Halangahu to be there at flyhalf, but it doesn’t now. Michael Foley needs to either hand Barnes or Bernard Foley, who has been at fullback, the number 10 jumper.
Adam Ashley-Cooper is perhaps best suited at fullback, so a move there would free up Foley to be moved into flyhalf. Barnes could stay at inside centre and another ball-runner and creative type, Brackin Karauria-Henry, could come onto the wing.
Karauria-Henry impressed during the trials and he obviously has loads of attacking potential – he topped the try-scoring charts for the Australian Sevens team two years ago and was brought into an extended Wallaby train-on squad.
With Foley at number 10, Barnes at inside centre and Ashley-Cooper at 15, the Waratahs would be more threatening, potent and dangerous with the ball in hand. Tom Carter is too one-dimensional and should be restricted to a bench role.
Up front, it is a different story. Injuries have robbed the Tahs of dependable quality in the form of Wycliff Palu, Rocky Elsom and Dan Vickerman.
There is not much they can do about that, but they can introduce Chris Alcock into the starting side, which would give them some much needed urgency at the breakdown. NSW’s hooking ranks are depleted, but Tatafu Polota-Nau needs to improve his lineout throwing and fast.
The Waratahs have the talent to turn their season around and as it’s only round four, there is still some time. But they need to have their players fit and firing in the right positions, and to not kick the ball away at every opportunity.
It is this approach that has been found wanting by several teams – from the Brumbies against the Chiefs, the Rebels against the Cheetahs and, of course, most dramatically the Waratahs themselves against the Reds in the dying minutes of their round one clash.
The Waratahs can win games this season, but not if they keep making the same mistakes.
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.