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Despite defeating the Force in the opening round, the Waratahs will have to improve their game considerably if they hope to defeat a Queensland Reds side coming off a strong win over the Brumbies. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.30pm AEDT.
As expected, the Waratahs hit the ground running against the Force last week, scoring six tries en route to a bonus point victory.
Wallabies fullback Israel Folau scored a hat-trick of tries against the Force and will be full of confidence against Queensland tonight.
Despite nearly posting a half century against the Force however, NSW still have plenty to improve on if they hope to match a more battle hardened Reds outfit.
The ball handling from the Waratahs at times was ordinary last week, and they can ill-afford a repeat against a Reds team that contains Wallabies stars Will Genia and Quade Cooper.
NSW will have to be far more clinical in attack tonight if they are to penetrate a Queensland defence that showed plenty of ticker against the Brumbies last week.
Having been starved of possession in the second half, the Reds still managed to keep the Brumbies scoreless for nearly 30 minutes.
Such defensive resolve demonstrates that Queensland possess the character and winning mentality necessary to really frustrate the Waratahs tonight.
Reds winger Lachie Turner in particular was superb defensively, producing two try-saving tackles to deny the Brumbies from scoring what seemed definite tries.
Now, the Reds’ backline will have to find a way to contain in-form Waratahs duo Folau and Alofa Alofa tonight.
The Waratahs meanwhile will have to keep an eye on Queensland fullback Toua, who scored a terrific 50m try against the Brumbies last week.
Toua has speed to burn and will hurt the Waratahs big time if the home side fail to produce a unified defensive line when chasing kicks.
Overall, the Waratahs will certainly be pushed a lot harder than they were against the Force. Queensland always rise to the occasion against NSW and it may take a complete performance from the home side to register their second straight win.
If the Waratahs can improve on their effort against the Force, then they do possess the class to earn a tight win. Anything less will mean a victory for the Reds.
Waratahs by 7