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Tatafu Polota-Nau expects Western Force coach Michael Foley to target him and other Waratahs players in his return to Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
Foley coached the Waratahs in 2012 before heading west, but will venture back to Sydney for the Super Rugby season-opener with some firm ideas on how to dismantle the NSW pack.
Fresh from the most vibrant training session seen at Moore Park in years, pumped up hooker Polota-Nau invited Foley to take his best shot.
“I think he will target specific people, but I’m pretty sure it’s been a couple of years since he last coached us and guys have worked on those weaknesses,” said Polota-Nau.
“To be honest I’m not too worried. He may target me in the line-out for my throwing or Benn (Robinson) with his scrummaging, but we’re pretty confident in our set-piece and we’re going to play the way we play.
“He knows the players but he doesn’t know the strategies.”
NSW have made no secret of their desire to play an attacking brand of rugby this season, picking explosive winger Alofa Alofa on the wing and Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale as a midfield combination.
Polota-Nau says even if the Force attempt to use slowing tactics, the Waratahs can set the agenda.
“That’s one of our points of difference through pre-season this year. We want to get the game playing at our tempo and I can assure you our tempo is very quick because for an old man like me it’s pretty hard to keep up with these days,” he said.
“(We’ve spent) more time on general play rather than set piece. That may have an effect but we’re confident going into this game that we’re prepared accordingly.”
Polota-Nau missed the majority of last season with a series of injury problems, and is focusing on getting his defence right and not putting his head in harm’s way.
“We want to make an aggressive (statement) really,” he said.
“A message of we’re going to drive you back as much as possible.”
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.