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The Waratahs minus Israel Folau face a true test of their Super Rugby credentials as they take on a Sharks outfit coming off a bruising encounter against the Bulls last week.
Join us for live scores and commentary from 2.05am AEDT.
NSW continued their good start to the season last week with a comfortable 32-8 bonus point victory over the Rebels at home.
The victory however was soured by a throat injury to star fullback Israel Folau who will miss today’s match against the Sharks.
Folau’s absence today is significant to say the least. He is the player that provides the Waratahs with the X-factor in attack and without him, NSW may struggle to score enough points to keep the Sharks at bay.
The Waratahs record in South Africa is poor to say the least given that they have lost seven of their past eight matches playing in Springboks territory.
The Sharks however are not without concerns of their own. First choice halves pairing Pat Lambie and Cobus Reinach each suffered serious injuries against the Bulls last week meaning that the Sharks will have to search for a new halves pairing to guide their attack.
With key attacking players missing on both sides, today’s contest could end up being a low scoring and tight affair.
With Folau missing for the Waratahs, Kurtley Beale is going to have to rise to the occasion if NSW are a hope of asking questions of the Sharks defence.
Overall, today’s contest is a real litmus test for the Waratahs away from home. They are yet to travel outside of Australia this season and a win in South Africa against a Super Rugby heavyweight will go a long way to ensuring that they are a genuine championship contender.
While Folau’s absence is a big blow, the Waratahs still possess enough class in their roster to perhaps snatch a vital win.
Waratahs by 5.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2.05am AEDT.