That’s the equation – or the formula, call it what you will – for the Waratahs to win their first Super Rugby title. But the key is coach Michael Cheika.
While he’s sitting in the stand as his troops do battle for 80 minutes in the middle, it’s the passion and belief Cheika has instilled in his players on the training paddock that will create history for the New South Wales franchise.
Why?
Cheika has myrtle blood drawn from the Galloping Greens of Randwick flowing through his veins, and this translates to running rugby. Slowly, but surely, the Cheika way is getting through.
Cheika is the best thing that has happened to the Waratahs since the reign of Ewen McKenzie between 2003 and 2008, a period in which they lost two Super Rugby finals.
Then he was sacked in an era when the Waratahs had a rotten culture, and the administrators were beyond belief. NSW rugby was a basket case, and continued to be so until Cheika surfaced.
Last season was a learning curve, this season the pass mark.
So far the Waratahs have scored 140 points to 62 in four games, crossed for 16 tries to seven, won three games with a bonus point for four or more tries, and picked up a bonus point for the 28-23 loss to the Brumbies in Canberra.
That loss was predictable, as I wrote on March 11. After two crushing victories, the two-week gap between games was poorly timed and the Waratahs paid for it. But from here on in the Waratahs’ opposition are going to pay, and pay dearly.
After Cheika, the next key factor is Israel Folau, scorer of half the Tahs’ tries this season. Folau is a genius, and his combination with Kurtley Beale will be priceless to both the Waratahs and the Wallabies, provided Beale remains at inside centre.
That move was another Cheika masterstroke.
Throw in Michael Hooper, and that trifecta will lead the Waratahs into the Super Rugby final, and onwards to the title.
Big call?
Not at all. On top of 16 tries in four games, the Waratahs have left another seven out there due to a combination of impatience and over-eagerness. Cheika will fix that, but it’s a problem any coach would welcome.
The Tahs talent is awesome. The pack is Wallaby-strength, the front row have 143 caps between them, the locks Kane Douglas and the behemoth Will Skelton will play a huge role, while the back row of Hooper, skipper Dave Dennis and Wycliff Palu should dominate every Super pack.
I look forward to the day when Skelton is a Wallaby. He’s raw at the moment, but Cheika will set him on the right path to use his huge frame to advantage, and McKenzie will add his expertise.
Those are all big pluses for the Waratahs, but there are three minuses that must be fixed or the title could slip by.
Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau must put in the extra hours to find his lineout jumpers or Cheika must find another feeder.
Halfback Nick Phipps must clear the ball from set play far quicker – he must be sick of hearing referees calling “use it”. While he’s at it, stop crabbing and feed the scrum faster. Why he delays is one of rugby’s greatest mysteries, adding enormous pressure to his front row.
Outside centre Adam Ashley-Cooper, the Waratahs’ most-capped player, must pass the ball. By my count he has had possession 18 times in four games, and passed only once. On many of those other occasions he has had support on both sides, yet died with the ball.
Once Michael Cheika irons out those faults, the Waratahs will be as complete a unit as is humanly possible. That would make them Super Rugby champions.
Hoy
Roar Guru
Enter Jono Lance.
PiratesRugby
Guest
Folau out? For how long?
Mantis
Roar Guru
Without Pocock, Lealiifano, Auleua, and Speight for the most part. Add to that 20 mins with 14 men, and youre still making excuses. Take out Hooper, Beale, a wrecking ball off the bench, reshuffle the backline whilst losing arguably your best attacking weapon, before half time, and then play 20 mins with 14 men, Id back the Brumbies every day of the week in Sydney.
Jigbon
Guest
Hey what's with the crap iinet ad now coming up at the bottom of the roar page it's so distracting I can't read the text. Is any one else getting this rubbish.
Daws
Guest
Yawn.
RobC
Roar Guru
Go Tahs. I hope they do well, for Oz Rugby sake. But I don't think its runners like Folau, Beale or Hooper who wins matches. Its the pack who tears down the competition.
west
Guest
Good Lord, we have a muppet on the lose.
fredstone
Guest
A forward pack to dominate all of super rugby? That would include the Chiefs, Sharks, Bulls and Crusaders you do realise... Nah, I don't think so.
AdamS
Roar Guru
To be fair, most of those rib ticklers were delivered courtesy of Dr. Phipps....
AdamS
Roar Guru
And a biblical flood....
Chan Wee
Guest
@ Tissot Time ; I think Eben Etzebeth started at 20 for SA. he walked in to senior team from U20 JRWC, if i remember correct. on the other hand PSDT is not yet a fixture in the SA pack like either EE or BR for MIB. more like Dominic Bird with MIB.
44bottles
Guest
I didn't realise offloads were a crucial competition stat.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Tahs scrum will be fixed when Kepu starts at TH and Robinson at LH. Let Tilse and Ryan come on later in the game against tiring opposition and let them develop. Sio munched Ryan and Ryan struggled again last week until subbed. The Tahs scrum with their main two Wallaby props in theiir proper position is competitive with anyone in the comp. Ryan just isn't up to starting against the decent LH's at the minute.
jeznez
Roar Guru
well put Albo and nice addition Wal.
Joey Johns
Roar Guru
Alby Mathewson, Nic White. Both work harder than Phipps. Both have also made more tackles than Phipps this year
Joey Johns
Roar Guru
Alby Mathewson, Nic White. Both work harder than Phipps. Both have also made more tackles than Phipps this year
PiratesRugby
Guest
The Tahs have had a pretty soft start to the season. Their only away trip resulted in a loss. As always, their roster is full of big names. As always, its their year. Let's see how they go on the road against the Sharks, Stormers and Force. They don't have to win all three to be considered real contenders but they do have to play well. Its a tough road trip to be sure but if they're the real thing then they'll do well. Go ahead Tahs, prove me wrong. But they won't. Its the Tahs we're talking about. They don't do success. Although, I'm told by various Tah fans on here that they were the best finishing Australian team from 2008 to 2010. Ah yes, the golden age.
dmac
Guest
Add me to the list. This article and others like it are the reason us Tahs fans have to put up with constant abuse from...well, just about everyone else. The Tahs have been fun to watch this year and have played some good rugby, but until they knock off some big scalps away from home I won't be getting excited. Just let us enjoy it without the hype, please?
Tissot Time
Roar Rookie
Sorry I think Wyn Jones started at blindside. Brodie Retallick was around 21 as well. So let's see EM give him a crack.
jameswm
Guest
Nah - the Kiwis respect Folau, and I don't reckon they'll be out there to knock anyone's block off. That gets you suspended for half the season.