Five-eighth Bernard Foley says the NSW Waratahs have extra motivation for Saturday’s Super Rugby semi-final as they’re determined to farewell a clutch of key players only after another title-decider.
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Sekope Kepu, Wycliff Palu and Jacques Potgieter are among those who will end their days in Waratahs colours if they lose to the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
But they would get a more fitting farewell if they play for a second consecutive Super Rugby title in the final on Saturday week.
“There have been some really great guys for Australia and NSW rugby and for them it is only fitting if we can send them out in a grand final,” Foley said on Monday.
“That’s definitely an extra bit of motivation for the weekend.”
Winger Peter Betham and halfback Brendan McKibbin are other Waratahs heading overseas after this season and outside back Taqele Naiyaravoro is reportedly doing likewise.
Another Waratah who might be playing his last game over the next couple of weekends is veteran back rower Stephen Hoiles.
“I’m approaching it with a really open mind,” 33-year-old Hoiles said.
“It could be my last game. I could play overseas, I could play on here, all that stuff is still up in the air.
“We’ll just see how the body feels at the end of the season.”
Incumbent Test five-eighth Foley was diplomatic when asked about the news that Quade Cooper, a rival for the Wallabies No.10 jersey, wouldn’t be re-signed by the Reds and looked likely to take up a contract with cashed up French club Toulon.
“I think what Quade’s doing is up to him,” Foley said.
“He’s been really good with Australian rugby and if he stays he stays and if he leaves it’s a new challenge for him and all the best to him.”
Foley stressed the Waratahs were acutely aware of the dangers posed by Highlanders winger Waisake Naholo, who has just been named in the All Blacks squad.
The Fijian-born speedster scored a long-distance try against the Tahs in the Highlanders’ 26-19 bonus point win over the defending Super Rugby champions in Dunedin back in March.
He tops the tournament’s try tally with 11.
Foley said the Highlanders were a dangerous unit, NSW needing to nullify all their threats, not just Naholo.
“The more we can cut them down and give them less time and space the less damaging he (Naholo) can be,” Foley said.
Larry_Parallelogram
Guest
Let's see how diplomatic Foley is after hearing that !!
Jameswm
Guest
They handled it last year int he semis though. They lost after the bye earlier this year becasue they were up for some games and not others. I think we all know the Tahs will be up for this game.
Mike Julz
Guest
Gonna be a good game, but I'll be picking the boys from Otago to win it.
Vhavnal
Roar Rookie
Adam Ashley-Cooper isn't actually gone, he has over 60 caps for the "Wobblies", he can be called up when needed..
Magic Sponge
Guest
I hope it is not true but I heard on the today show qc is hoping to sign for the tahs. NNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Lets hope a big crowd gets out to support the Tahs, 30,000 would be nice. It is more than likely the last home game for the aforementioned players.
Machooka
Roar Guru
@ MH01 Hope you're right... regardless it's going to a massive and emotional day for the Tahs... and their supporters.
Targa
Guest
Could be the last game for Nasi Manu for the good guys. Big Nasi must have got incredibly close to being an AB - was the 2nd best specialist no8 in NZ (prob still is) behind K Read but the selectors have always picked guys who could cover 6 & 8.
Kane
Guest
How well will they go after the bye? During the year they had a bye and resumed at home and got smashed.
Lostintokyo
Guest
Hope the Tahs' planning process for 2016 is well underway. Fringe players have to step up, or new ones brought/bought in. Many players leaving are long servants to the Tah's. Wish them a good send off. Potgieter, Betham, McKibbon are in mid career and it is a pity they are leaving but have not had a lot of game time this year (Potgieter aside) and understand their mindset. Potgieter is going home which is understandable and will be long remembered. Starch was needed to win last year. Naiyaravoro is a loss as he is really just starting and has huge potential, not necessarily on the wing. He could make a wonderful No. 8 for example if given time to learn the position. Hope Hoiles sticks around at least another season. His experience is needed. Mumm is back but have not heard much other news of recruiting. I hear from an English friend that Barclays Premier League survivor Sunderland is looking for new talent. They have a budget of £50 million!! Yikes! And they can't afford Messi's toe clippings. Poor sods! Like it or not we are in the era of 'money talks". I wonder how the game will look in 10 years. Very different me thinks.
RT
Guest
Can't see the Tahs not winning this one. I'm thinking it could be a big win to the Tahs. You heard it here first.
MH01
Guest
That's a lot of talent leaving, they served the Tahs well. They have a very good chance at a second title , could be a fairytale exit.