Rocky Elsom says NSW must be desperate against the Brumbies on Saturday night, not only to keep their Super Rugby hopes alive but because he appreciates better than anyone how far his former side have come.
Elsom only played one match for the Brumbies last year, but he was a first-hand witness to the tumultuous circumstances which led to the sacking of coach Andy Friend and ultimately his replacement Tony Rae, and their third-last finish on the competition table.
However, under new coach Jake White, the Brumbies have turned things around and are leading the Australian conference, five points clear of the Waratahs.
With a tough South African tour on the horizon for NSW, the Waratahs’ season is hanging in the balance.
Former Wallabies skipper Elsom says the Brumbies have cleaned up their act on and off the field and if the Waratahs don’t respect them in Canberra on Saturday, it could spell the end of their finals hopes.
“I’ve said this in the past – our rugby program wasn’t what it should have been the last couple of years down at the Brumbies and they seem to have corrected that,” said Elsom.
“They’re obviously not (the same outfit they were last year).
“We don’t need any more motivation than just the four points, we need a win at this time of the year and they probably do too.
“They’re a side we’ve got to treat with a fair bit of respect.
“They play to their strengths and I think you’ve always got to be cautious of a team that is … all on exactly the same page.
“Both teams need the win – there’s no doubt about that.”
NSW coach Michael Foley is expected to name his side on Thursday, with monster lock Sitaleki Timani tipped to start.
However, it doesn’t appear Elsom will be rushed back to run out and captain NSW against his former teammates, after he returned from injury two weeks ago against Melbourne.
Given his extensive battles with hamstring injuries, Elsom said every precaution was being taken to ensure he doesn’t sustain further damage, and it seems he’ll once again be blooded off the bench.
“I don’t pick the team for starters but the mix, with the way it’s at the moment, I think it’s fine the way we’re going,” he said.
“It’s not so much match fitness (as the problem) … it’s more about getting the work done on the hamstring so I can play longer and not regress at any stage. So far, so good.”
Elsom refused to discuss his playing future beyond this season when asked about a potential move overseas.
CrockyCrocky
Guest
Having the odd 'contact' at Grenoble might help too hey Rocky!
Harry
Guest
Just joining in sticking in the boot to Rocky here, which seems to be the theme of most comments - why does this guy only fire up for games against Australian sides, and is generally found on the sideline when big games against NZ or SA sides are on, otherwise loitering out wide?
jeznez
Guest
James, I think you have the main issue but I wonder if there wasn't an element of concern for Kingston as well. I can see no other reason why they shuffled it as broadly as they did. Kingston to 10, Barnes to 15, Ashley-Cooper to 12, Carter to 13. (I actually think Carter was meant to stay at 12 and AAC to 13 but the number of times Carter wound up defending one in from the sideline was bizarre). If it was just a case of protecting Barnes a straight swap between him and AAC would have worked and the centres could have stayed as they were.
jameswm
Guest
Guys I think the reshuffle was because Barnes was not 100%. You don't normally need to worry about protecting him in defence, that's for sure.
levelheaded
Guest
Boring whingers!
Justin
Guest
The interesting thing with Lilo v Barnes will be the stark difference between the two in their skills, execution and ability to unlock defences. I know who I would pick 90 out of 100... Carter just isnt athletic enough to play anywhere but 12. He was thrashed last week, it was embarrassing.
Justin
Guest
I agree with you about Kingston, he is young but hey throw him in and let him have a crack. The re-shuffle last week was laughable and it backfired badly. All it does is cause confusion...
jeznez
Roar Guru
Carter would get slaughtered at 13 - or so I suspect. His pace just isn't there to match it out wider as exposed by Robbie Fruean on the weekend.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Lealiifano v Barnes will be interesting to watch too. Its amazing how the Brumbies have grown in the last few weeks, they really are on the way up. Foley's 5/2 bench doesn't offer too many options in the backs with a pure n9(Pretorius) and a 10-12(Halangahu).Would have put Halangahu-Carter at 12-13 with Kingston off the bench.
jeznez
Roar Guru
At least Timani is starting - hopefully he plays well. White has done an excellent job with his team selections, rested a few against the Lions but has his A team on the park for this weekend. Palmer and Carter are back starting. For the Tahs, my biggest worry is Kingston still at 13 - hopefully the disastrous defensive re-shuffle won't be in effect again this weekend. If they really need to re-shuffle then just swapping Kingston and AAC between fullback and 13 might do the trick. I've got to say though - they've selected the kid at 13 and that is where they see his future, just let him attack and defend there.
CrockyCrocky
Guest
Um .... the previous coach didn't Rocky to stay at Brumbies either but CEO (and signer of contracts) over ruled!! New coach seems to be able to overrule a previous very vocal CEO.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
'We gave away too many silly penalties and the handling errors cost us. You can't do that against a team like ............'. :( 'There's quite a few positives that we can take out of that'. :( Oops I'm just reading from the standard Fat Cat & Folsey post match interview. My apologies. ;)
Gus
Guest
The Brumbies 'losing' Elsom was one of their best moves. What a waste of cash he was.
sportym
Guest
At least AAC will know his way around Canberra Stadium. Not sure Rocky even knows where the stadium is, having spent two season with the Brumbies.
jameswm
Guest
The Tahs won't take the Brumbies lightly? What was the quote - "They’re a side we’ve got to treat with a fair bit of respect". Ummm, am I missing something here, but the Brumbies are about 6 points ahead of the Tahs on the table, and playing terrific footy. The Tahs are the underdogs.
Justin
Guest
Off to France you go Rocky. At least it will be the frogs paying you a fortune to sit on the sidelines... You clearly play well against Euro opposition...