The NSW Waratahs are intent on proving they’re no one-man band with an ominous pre-finals statement against the Queensland Reds on Saturday night.
The Super Rugby minor premiers enter the final-round Australian conference derby in Brisbane without Israel Folau for the first time since losing two out of three matches in his absence mid-season.
In contrast, the Waratahs have won nine of 11 games with the competition’s leading tryscorer on deck.
But while acknowledging the Waratahs struggled without Folau, five-eighth Bernard Foley said the losses to the Sharks in Durban and Western Force in Perth also came at a time when the side hadn’t hit its straps.
“Across the board when he was out, we hadn’t hit our stride as a team,” Foley said.
“With Izzy out now, it gives us a really good opportunity to show we don’t have to rely on one player.”
Foley said the Waratahs were in a similar position last week after losing captain Dave Dennis to a season-ending knee injury before responding with a 28-point mauling of the Highlanders to clinch a home semi-final.
The Waratahs won’t be shying away from their flamboyant ball-in-hand style with Cam Crawford covering for Folau at fullback.
But they respect the wounded Reds enough to also not be promising to throw the ball around willy nilly at Suncorp Stadium, where the Tahs have lost their past three derbies.
“The Reds are going to give us a really tough battle, so we can’t be reckless in trying to run it from everywhere,” Foley said.
“But in saying that, we haven’t changed our game plan to counter for the opposition or for our personnel.
“We’ve still got some great runners in our backline. Cam Crawford is really excited for the opportunity to show his worth.
“We play a game for Izzy’s strengths and positives and this week we’ve got to do the same, but for Cam.
“As a backline, we haven’t changed too much. We want to go out and express ourselves and play the way we’ve been playing and enjoying all season.”
The Waratahs will finish top regardless of the result, while the depleted Reds have long been out of the finals hunt.
Veteran prop Benn Robinson said it would be great to put NSW’s arch rivals to the sword – but not necessarily to carry a franchise-record seven straight wins into the finals.
“I see this game on the weekend as its own entity. I’m not looking too far forward,” he said.
“The chance for NSW to play Queensland up in Queensland and hopefully put a big win on is pretty enticing for me.
“If we win on the weekend, I won’t say it’s going to give us momentum but it’s another step forward.”
Ron Burgundy
Guest
they are not on 5 straight wins.... they are on 2 straight wins...they lost to the hurricanes just a couple of weeks ago.
Firstxv
Guest
Yes increasingly its looking like set piece/ defence and finals experience are the primary NZ ace cards, while the Tahs ability to cut loose is theirs. Saders now on 5 straight wins themselves and players are returning form wise- Read, Carter, Whitlock, and next McCaw, along with an improving Dagg and a returning Nadolo from test duty Saders will only get stronger.
JB
Guest
I worry about lack of finals experience from the tahs, bonus points don't mean a thing in the coming weeks. Gotta say the tahs have been fantastic to watch, similar to the 2011 reds, brilliant to be excited about an Aussie teams prospects again, no disrespect to last years brumbies but they were painful to watch.
Squirrel
Guest
Magic right again it was predictable,what was that dmac
Firstxv
Guest
can't see the problem here...tahs should cakewalk this match. I think we are seeing the two finalists tonight, the Saders and Tahs. The Saders in recent years have dropped the ball at some point in the finals run despite always finishing the table with a flourish. We've yet to see what sort of side the Tahs are in knockout play. Their open style is one that will suit the suffocating defences of either the Saders or the Chiefs so they'll need to strike the right balance.
Big Dog
Guest
Maybe - but I reckon this season has shown us all that it's Queensland who currently hold top position in that category, RO.
DMac
Guest
I doubt very much it will be a 30+ thrashing.
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
Yeah but if there's any team in the competition capable of playing below their best it's the Tahs.
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
Hey Magic Sponge, The thing is that right now, at this point in time the Tahs still have a very empty super rugby trophy cabinet. Yet their fans still act like they've won the competition for 10 years running and just thrashed the All Blacks.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Statement - Qld You can we win the lineouts and we will destroy you in the physical contests. Id play straight thru the reds pack and don't worry about trying to swing it wide.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Exactly messa. No matter what happens tonight, supporters of 10 other teams will watch us play finals footy in 2 weeks time. Reds game is a great prep for the semi nothing less nothing more.
Daveski
Guest
Queensland may get their second hollow victory of the week but it will only come if the Tahs play well below the level they have in the last six weeks.
Michael Essa
Roar Guru
don't care cos it doesn't matter... but the tahs will win by atleast 20.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Cmon Jez, the reds have been giving it to us all year saying we are the Feb champions. You know and I know it is going to be a 30 plus thrashing go with the flow.
Zero Gain
Guest
Preparing for failure, I see.
Louie
Guest
Had an entire season to do that. Not entirely the players fault , they have a massive coaching problem. Lets hope the Reds hang onto Graham for another few years as the lug nut exec at the Tah's are likely to hire him. Lets hope for the Wallabies and Tahs sake they all come thru unscathed.
Michael Essa
Roar Guru
no matter what anyone says this is a dead rubber.... just hope the tahs get no injuries so i'm glad at-least Folau is not playing..
jeznez
Roar Guru
There has been a lot of triumphant posting by the press and Waratahs fans. The quotes above largely offer the Reds due respect and recognise the challenge of being without our leading scorer. Looking forward to this match, c'mon the Tahs!
soapit
Guest
dont use all your wishes straight away. save some for something you really need or a rainy day.
redder than kevin
Guest
This is a great chance for the reds to show Queenslanders fire up when their backs are against the wall. We have a great chance to beat the much fancied and unfairly advantaged by the ARU Waratahs. COME ON REDS!!!!