A bye couldn’t have come at a better time for a battered and bruised NSW Waratahs, after losing two Wallabies and a new recruit to injury in a costly Super Rugby derby loss to the Brumbies.
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Rob Horne and Bryce Hegarty were among the casualties in the tough and bloody 32-15 defeat at GIO Stadium on Friday night.
Hooker Polota-Nau is facing another lengthy stint on the sidelines after fracturing his arm in his 132nd Super Rugby appearance – the equal-second highest by a Waratah.
He suffered a similar injury in May 2013, also in a match against the Brumbies, which cost him a spot in the Wallabies side for that year’s British and Irish Lions tour.
Luck wasn’t on the side of winger Horne either, hurting his knee just months after a picking up shoulder injury early in a pool game against England at last year’s World Cup.
The outlook looks worst, though, for former Melbourne Rebels playmaker Hegarty, who sustained possible ACL damage in just his second game for the Waratahs off the bench.
The 2014 champions could also be without Tolu Latu, who was cited post-match for allegedly punching or striking Brumby Matt Toomua in the face and causing a bloody nose during an all-in melee.
“It was a tough night,” coach Daryl Gibson said.
“But injuries are all part of the season and that’s why you have a squad.”
Skipper Michael Hooper said the Brumbies’ game was just the first of a run of physical battles, with the `Tahs hosting defending champions the Highlanders later this month before facing the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.
“It doesn’t get any easier,” he said.
“There’s a bit of a toll on our team but we back our staff to get us right and they’ve done that so far after a pretty demanding start to the season.
“I just want the team to get better because there’s so much potential.”
Gibson admitted his charges lacked a bit of poise and accuracy at the breakdown, but saw enough passion, commitment and improvement on their opening round win over the Reds to be optimistic about the future.
He said consistency was key going forward.
“Some of the areas of inaccuracy is plaguing us at the moment,” he said.
“It’s certainly not terminal. It’s round two.
“What it does do is give us clear direction on what we need to improve on.
“Currently the Brumbies are setting the standard and now we know where that standard is.”
Existentialist
Guest
I agree Chook. TPN bolsters a very average front row . Horne is that defensive rock and his versatility will be missed. Hopefully all the injuries aren't that serious. Rebels may push us for second in our conference. Early days I know but I fear this back line talent maybe for nought if our fowards get bossed!
PiratesRugby
Guest
And the Tahs are already missing Kepu, AAC & jacpot from last year. Trying to play without TPN and Horne must be very disruptive.
Utah
Guest
The brumbies have good depth this year IMO. They've got a few guys playing in tomorrow's reserve team against Sydney Uni that would make most Super Teams' run on side, and a few more that are viable bench options. Rory Arnold, Robbie Coleman, James Dargaville, Albert Anae to name a few. And finally it appears they have decent bench props. The last couple of years their scrum has struggled when the starting props have gone off.
PeterK
Roar Guru
brumbies do not have any more depth. Props - equal hooker - less locks - more loose forwards - more Scrumhalf - equal flyhalf - less I/C - less o/c - more back - less
PeterK
Roar Guru
the citing says he has met the threshold for red. Like the officials on the field I did not see the actual punch that Latu threw. If it was a flurry or from behind or he was pinned and defenceless it would be a red. Have you seen the punch(s)? is there a video of it.
PeterK
Roar Guru
not according to the law book sanction actually starts at a penalty for a punch.
Hello
Roar Rookie
You could be right James I am not upto date with this but I thought a punch was an auto red. Once again I could be wrong
jameswm
Roar Guru
Isn't a punch like that normally a yellow? A few weeks for one (alleged) punch in the middle of pushing and shoving? Might be an off field yellow.
Hello
Roar Rookie
They may not have latu for a few weeks as well.
BluesMan
Guest
You'd think with all his experience as a rugby pro and all the injuries he's had over the years that Tatafu would tweak his tackling style a bit.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Latu a quality sub for TPN, but the bench hooker then becomes a step down. Big reliance on Latu, but then you can't expect to have 3 hookers in your squad who are that quality.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
With TPN out for a while, Latu could also be in trouble with the citing commissioner. We will; have to wait and see on this.
Muzzo
Guest
Geeez, how good was Nick Phipps last night? He played an excellent game., but once again, Big Will was his usual self.....disappointing. Sure, he does look a lot fitter, this season, but it's his play in general, that seems to constantly let him down. He doesn't seem to be fully committed. Noticeable last night, was his, flopping on top of the ruck or maul, virtually trying to kill the play or slow things down. FFS, he needs to use his weight, to drive & clean out, better than what he does. He's a big boy. It was a tough night at the office for the Tah's, but I'm sure they will take something out of this game, & will be far better prepared in the return encounter, especially with the Brumbie's playing away from home, where they just don't seem to play as well.
Machooka
Roar Guru
These injuries are not good news for the Tahs moving forward. TPN and Horne are key components for any future Tahs' success.
MH01
Guest
The tahs starting team is good , these injuries will hurt them, one thing they lack is depth after the starting 15. Let's see how the replacements step up. Interesting what they do with 13 for the next match if Horne is out.