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The 2014 season is the year I believe, but not because it’s written on the back of a Paddington taxi.
This is the year of the Waratahs. They might not win, but they will perform better than they have recently done.
Some writers are putting forward the reason of “wanting it more”. This logic does not sit well with me.
If simply wanting something more led to results I would have married a Sports Illustrated model – twice.
No, all teams want it. Attitude does effect the one percenters, the extra dead lift, the longer recovery and saying no to beer, but it’s clear all Australian teams do this (apart from Melbourne).
The Tahs will not perform well this year merely because they want it, but due to the following factors.
1. Michael Cheika
This guy knows what he is doing. You can’t expect the coach to impact a team from one off-season, but he has now had two plus one full playing year to gather a roster he wants and implement a system designed his way.
He is old school with regards to his hard work mentality, yet new age and vibrant in his player management.
He is quoted as saying he is not a life coach, but this is simply a modest backhand to the media. He is helping the players become successful and driven in all facets of their life, knowing that positive rugby will follow.
2. The 10/12 combination
Berrick Barnes delivered inconsistently, and his kick first, second, and third mentality was only really ever useful for Test match rugby in the UK.
Sydney Uni stalwarts like Tom Carter and Daniel Halangahu, while great value on a Saturday night out in Newtown, were lucky to be given blue jerseys and were never going to obtain gold ones.
The lack of talent in these two vital playmaking positions was noticeable and consequential. It didn’t matter how much quality sat in the outside backs, because the pill was never going to be sent there.
The two current playmakers, Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley, have both played well for Australia, and their back ups (Ben Volavola and Jono Lance) are both very exciting and pushing for national selection.
3. Depth
Apart from the 130kg off-loading machine that is Will Skelton, all but one of the starting XV have played for Australia. Both the forward pack and backline will end up putting Wallabies on the bench, and provide selection headaches for the coach.
But like tax on high earnings and unsaturated fats, these are good problems to have. The rugby season is a marathon, not a sprint, and having quality depth all over the park will ensure consistency and longevity for a title push.
Nick Phibbs and Jono Lance may revel now that they are surrounded by more Wallabies, while new and exciting faces include Matt Carraro and Alofa Alofa.
Michael Hooper, Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Beale, meanwhile, are all possible World XV candidates who can change a game.
The Tahs will win over the Reds on Saturday night and do well this year because they have a smart and enthusiastic coach, quality ball players at 10 and 12 and a ruckload of playing depth.
In 2014, Blue should now be a feared colour.
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.