With coaching speculation all the talk at NSW headquarters over recent weeks, it was an interesting time for Waratahs Super Rugby forward Dave Dennis to unveil himself as a mentor.
Dennis was quick to rule out a bid for a captain-coach appointment at the Waratahs next year, but not before revealing he has previously coached three players in Saturday night’s derby against the Brumbies at ANZ Stadium.
Although aged just 26, Dennis went back and served as an assistant coach for the Sydney University first grade colts back in 2007 while sidelined with an ACL injury.
The Uni side featured newly-appointed Waratahs No.10 Bernard Foley, NSW prop Paddy Ryan and Brumbies lock Sam Carter.
As forwards coach, Dennis made a tough call to drop Ryan to second grade for the grand final that Uni went on to win that season, but he also had time to cast his critical eye over the backline as well.
Dennis believes the Waratahs could be in for a treat with Foley at five-eighth and, with the season over, he says NSW plan to throw caution to the wind.
“If he sees an opportunity, he’s going to have a crack. He’s a very front-foot player, he attacks the line and carries the ball … I was coaching the forwards but I still had some influence, I’m sure,” says Dennis, with the Waratahs looking to spoil the Brumbies’ push for playoff security.
“We’ve fallen into the trap this year that we’ve had a bit of pressure and we’ve probably played a little bit conservative. That’s probably human nature – you tighten up a bit, but all these guys are good footballers and we play our best rugby when we just go out and play when you don’t have too many restrictions on you.”
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