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At the Waratahs home game last week the silence was loud. When I cheered “Go the Tahs!” my mate told me to scale it back, presumably for fear of embarrassment. He’s the worst fan in the world, and he’s a classic Tah fan.
Admittedly, it’s hard to cheer while holding canapés in one hand and a sharp-ish Shiraz in the other. Yet there must be some latent driver at work; something which inhibits their free expression of positivity.
To understand why, perhaps we need to delve into the psyche of the professional living in Sydney. Because, currently at least, this is a very Sydney-centric affair.
Sydney is the financial capital of Australia. Long hours and lattes. Control freaks and corporates. Mortgages so high you’d think their homes were on something.
And at the core of this economy is the rugby fan. The Tah fan.
Traffic gets pushier as you travel south from Newcastle or north from Canberra until you reach the city, whereupon cars slide between each other like a rollerblade party in the back of a removals van. It’s a small detail, but an important one.
All this means is that the Tah fan doesn’t do bored.
They’re generally bashed from pillar to post Monday to Friday and on the weekends if their team can’t inspire them, they may as well have an anti-hero.
Anything to prevent the feeling of numb.
It seems, though, that all is not lost. If it’s entertainment they want, with Michael Cheika and his men it’s entertainment they’ll get.
Under the coach’s leadership this Waratahs outfit has been distancing itself from Phil Waugh’s ‘win ugly’ days, like a youth might from a bad upbringing.
This franchise promises to deliver running rugby and a year into their campaign the squad has achieved distinction, building as genuine title contenders over the next season or two – and doing it with the ball in hand.
The fundamental shift of attitude is being supported by advertising campaigns on buses, taxis and billboards. All reminding Sydneysiders of something they’d forgotten: “This is Tah territory.”
They’re also starting to take the game to other parts of the state. A trial match held in Newcastle was a great reminder the Waratahs represent all of New South Wales and not just Balmain.
There’s excitement on the field with Israel Folau tearing it up at will. Sonny Bill Williams took three years to get to this height, while Folau took only one. He’s already the greatest Wallaby of a generation, and he’s a Waratah.
Kurtley Beale at inside centre is also a brilliant choice. Cheika probably got into Beale’s ear while the latter was dwelling in ignominy at the Rebels.
You can almost hear the conversation.
“Son, the only way to get you back into the Wallabies is at the Waratahs and at inside centre. Kiwis call this position ‘second five eighth’ for a reason.”
Aside from anything material, these Waratahs put their bodies on the line, day in and day out.
Given the long shot of becoming a pro athlete, it’s probably not done for the money. More likely for the game. To make themselves, their families, teammates and fans proud.
We’re part of the system. Let’s do what fans are meant to do and get behind the Waratahs. Win, lose or draw.
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.