Long serving Waratahs forward Wycliff Palu is confident NSW can fix their misfiring lineout for the Super Rugby finals, describing the issue as a minor hiccup.
While NSW clinched top spot with seven straight wins, their lineout performed poorly in the final round fixture against Queensland last weekend.
Palu said that Reds Test locks James Horwill and Rob Simmons had done a good job of putting pressure on the Tahs in that area.
Having earned a week off playing for finishing first, NSW have time to work on that critical area of first phase possession before hosting a semi-final the weekend after next.
“I think we just probably need to back ourselves, back our drill,” Palu said.
“I’m not that much of a lineout expert, but I feel we probably set a bit too slow and I think it gave them a bit of time to read it.
“We had a problem with it early in the year and it got addressed.
“We’ve got a bit of time now to get better and fix it up.”
Wallabies No.8 Palu acknowledged the loss through injury of captain and regular lineout caller Dave Dennis might also have been a factor, though he backed new caller Stephen Hoiles.
“Dave was the main guy there for us but Hoilesy has worked with him closely throughout the year,” Palu said.
“I’m sure it’s just a minor hiccup.”
Star fullback Israel Folau is on course to play the semi-final after missing the Queensland match with a corked thigh.
“He’s progressing really well. We expect him to train fully on Thursday,” Gibson said.
A question mark remains about the availability of utility back Jono Lance.
“He’s carrying a knee complaint for a couple of weeks now,” Gibson said of Lance.
“We’re just hoping through rest and rehab that it will come good.”
Common Sense
Guest
Not against a team that can maul.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
Could be. Being greedy I want both.
Squirrel
Guest
Fair call but I think the pick and go is more important than lineouts
pick & go..!!
Guest
Need the lineouts firing squirrel. It was ok to lose a couple to the Reds, who couldn't hold on to the pill. But losing a couple to the Brumbies & Crusaders will be suicidal.
Squirrel
Guest
I'd rather have Skelton on and and win the mauls and lose a couple if lineouts.
pick & go..!!
Guest
I agree starting Will Skelton (not a noted jumper) put more pressure on the Tahs lineout. Having Jack pots start & moving Skelton to the pine should address the issue.
Justin3
Guest
Possession handed to a side that can use it against is not over rated at all...the reds couldnt, Id suggest the best teams will pose more of a threat than the reds could manage with the extra ball they got.
boonzie
Guest
I think they righted once Mitch Chapman came on and gave another option
Bogdan the turnip boy
Roar Rookie
I was a bit surprised at all the talk about the line outs as I thought the problem was fixed at half time. After watching the replay of the match I noted that in the second half NSW had 5 throws after the break won 4 and put enough pressure on the QLD line out to win 1 on their throw and get 1 not straight.
Squirrel
Guest
Lineouts are overrated as shown by the reds who excel at them. Checka will sort this out , they have plenty of time