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NSW coach Michael Foley praised Wycliff Palu as the spiritual leader of the Waratahs, after the veteran No.8 wound back the clock in Sunday’s win over the Western Force.
NSW scored six tries in their second-best attacking start to a Super Rugby season, but Cheika was paying tribute to the platform set by his big men up front.
Youngster Will Skelton was impressive at lock and experienced front rowers Benn Robinson, Paddy Ryan and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau set the agenda in the scrum.
But it was Palu who proved the difference in the forward battle as NSW lifted to a 43-21 win at Allianz Stadium.
The 31-year-old has been slowed down in recent years by a relentless run of injuries, most recently a knee problem which ruled him out of the second half of last year.
But Palu showed there’s plenty of fight left in the old dog in a bruising display which featured a first-half surge through the front-line and pass-off for Israel Folau to score his second.
Cheika is expecting a big year from the Wallaby scrum anchor.
“He’s had a really good training regime tailored to what he is and what he needs,” said Cheika.
“I think he was very, very good today. Just his attitude and leadership – he’s very much the spiritual leader of the team and that example is what others feed off.”
Captain Dave Dennis said Palu is a player that others follow and declared him in the best shape he’s been in years.
“He’s playing with the go-forward and physicality we want as a leader,” Dennis said.
“He’s a leader in his own right through what he does. Through actions more than anything.”
Meanwhile, Cheika gave his new midfield combination of Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale a pass mark despite some errors.
“They didn’t look out of place put it that way. They were solid and that’s what I want,” he said.
“I don’t want them creating magic every two minutes.
“Our wider men got a lot of touches which is usually a sign the inside guys are doing their bit.”
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.