Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau says winning a second straight Super Rugby title with the NSW Waratahs would be even sweeter than last year’s drought-breaking maiden championship.
Michael Cheika’s high scoring Tahs are the team with a target on their backs and the side being hunted this year, with the new Super Rugby season just three weeks away.
“Getting the first one was sweet but getting it a second time would be much sweeter,” Polota-Nau, one of the Waratahs longest serving players, told AAP.
“Because everyone is getting their standards up, just as we are.
“I wouldn’t say we are (looking at it as) going back-to-back really.
“If anything, it’s more revisiting what we did last year and keeping that consistency and just tweaking it to make it a bit more accurate.”
The 29-year-old veteran of 50 Tests was one of several hookers laid low by injury last year, in what seemed to be the Wallabies jinxed position of 2014.
Stephen Moore, Polota-Nau and Nathan Charles were sidelined during the campaign, though the eternally positive Waratahs rake still found a silver lining for Australian rugby in those clouds,
“It was great for the younger chaps to show their wares as well,” Polota-Nau said.
“Because if anything, we want to work on the depth of Australian rugby and get it to a point where it’s a seamless transition, where if one guy drops due to injury, the guy who is filling in next can get in there and do the job just as good, if not better.”
Polota-Nau is fighting back from two injuries that cruelled his international campaign in the second half of last year.
He suffered knee damage in the Super Rugby final win over the Crusaders in August and then sustained an ankle syndesmosis injury the following month in his comeback match, a test against Argentina.
Polota-Nau, who aspires to making his second World Cup squad, has wowed observers at Waratahs training with his pre-season work and hopes to play in one or both of their trials.
“The rehab is coming along well,” Polota-Nau said.
“I just need to get some peak fitness into me, because it’s a while since I’ve been on the paddock and you always get the jitters of playing your first game regardless of how many Test and Super caps you have.”
Polota-Nau is contracted to Australia and the Waratahs until the end of the 2016 season, but several other Test players have already revealed they will head offshore after this year’s World Cup.
Prop Sekope Kepu and halfback Nic White have this week joined a list that already included lock and former captain James Horwill and utility back and 104-Test stalwart, Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Polota-Nau is philosophical about the talent drain overseas, but won’t necessarily joIn the exodus once his contract expires.
“I’m not too sure, if anything I’ll probably have to address how my body is coping, because I’m not getting any younger,” Polota-Nau said.
“It’s a business and I think it just comes down to whatever is best for themselves and for their families.”
Buzzard
Guest
Who called TPN useless?
Buzzard
Guest
Yes and always gets injured! Leading with the head is always gonna get you in trouble.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Whether he has a go and has red hot cracks is quite irrelevant in relation to his ability as a test hooker. Most posts that question if he is good enough are asking that question, if he is a test hooker and not asking if he is a quality Super player. You do not have to be a world standard player to pass comment on the ability of a player you just have to be a person who thinks IHO that he is not one of our best hookers. IMO TPN is a quality hooker and has had some good games for the Wallabies but he is not as good as Moore and is more prone to injury that I would like to see in a player. I think he has reached his zenith and while I appreciate he has performed very well over time for the Wallabies he would not be my first pick for the WC. However we will see what transpires over the forthcoming super season.
Jameswm
Guest
Yup, but you can't please some people.
44bottles
Roar Guru
But it doesn't always make sense. For example, I could say that someone like Pocock doesn't have a great running game. I think most people would agree with that statement. But, as a professional sportsmen, his running game is still better than at least 90-95% of us. Almost all of the discussions about player's pros/cons have to be taken in comparison to other players. As I said before, I like TPN, but the argument of "he can do it better than you" just isn't a good argument.
johnson
Guest
The guy is hard as nails and has a red hot crack!!!
therugbyfan
Guest
its true though, some couch potatoe who probably couldn't even make his schools 1xv is calling a pro useless etc doesn't seem right hehe
RobC
Roar Guru
I wouldnt mind having Tafs as a Red He can play for NSW when ARU organises SOO Rugby version :)
44bottles
Roar Guru
While I agree that TPN is good, and easily Aus' 2nd best Hooker, that sort of thinking (he's done more than you have) is just stupid. You can use that reasoning to stop anyone complaining about anything ever, because you can find an example where there is someone better at it.
Squirrel
Guest
The guy has a big go and that is all you can ask for. Tahs will be a great chance
Chivas
Guest
TBH I think it is just a bit of anti-Tahs sentiment. I think the guy has been pretty decent and added a lot when he has come on for the Wallabies. He can be a bit of a boofhead on the field at times, but I have always felt he gives the side a genuine lift. He is certainly always pumped and gets involved. So I am surprised to hear he is rubbish and unenthused when it comes to playing in the green and gold.
Billy Bob
Guest
I cannot believe the negativity here. The guy has bled gallons in both jerseys. Sure he has his limitations at times but iHow many of the commentators have been world class number 2's?
Chivas
Guest
Ok he's rubbish. Aside from Moore who do you suggest is his replacement.
Buzzard
Guest
I agree with Redsfan1...TPN is a good super rugby player, no good at test level. Injury prone & inconsistent. Same as Palu.
Jameswm
Guest
Look at the guy's name. Hardly a balanced comment.
RobC
Roar Guru
Tafs should wear the concussion device the Saracens use
Chivas
Guest
You think he's not as equally pumped for both or are you commenting on his effectiveness for both? I would have though the would be pretty pumped to play for the Wallabies and I'm not sure if he got faster and went to the gym less it would affect that would it? I know going to Targum or not going doesn't have much correlation with my excitement about different things.
Redsfan1
Guest
Polota-Nau- funny how he gets pumped for the Tahs and then goes missing for the Wallabies. Too much weights and not enough speed with this guy.