NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson says his surging Super Rugby side must avoid complacency after propelling themselves back into the battle for Australian conference leadership with successive away wins.
Gibson revealed up to a third of the squad had been affected by a virus heading into the 32-30 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday morning (AEST).
Following on from a 49-13 win over the Force in Perth, NSW have posted back-to-back victories wins for the first time this season.
Although still third in the Australian conference, the 2014 champions are level on points with the Brumbies and two behind leaders Melbourne with the bonus of having a game in hand on both their rivals.
“We’ve come through a bit of a tough patch with some losses and now to have two wins on the road gives us a lot of confidence and belief that we can compete against the best teams in the competition,” Gibson said on Sunday.
“It keeps us very competitive.
“We’ve really got our preparation and our training right. We’re doing things better off the field and those results are starting to show on the field.”
Gibson revealed the Tahs had been practising how to close out games after suffering narrow losses earlier in the season, but wanted to improve on their lineout form in Cape Town.
NSW now play consecutive home games against the Cheetahs and Bulls, with Gibson determined to improve on a poor 1-2 record in Sydney as opposed to a healthy 3-1 log on the road.
“For us, it’s very much a mental challenge around making sure that we don’t slip up mentally and go soft on ourselves,” Gibson said.
“It’s something we’ll be talking to the team about.
“The biggest thing that I want to overcome is the mental complacency that we might have.”
Lock Will Skelton recalled complacency was an issue for the Tahs when they returned from a win over the Stormers in 2014.
“The week after we played the Force and I feel we were a little complacent there, didn’t give respect to the opposition team and we got done there,” Skelton said.
The blossoming new centre combination of Israel Folau and Kurtley Beale contributed a try apiece against the Stormers.
“They are really starting to read off each other and combine well in the middle,” Gibson said.
Skipper and flanker Michael Hooper scored the crucial late try as part of a strong individual performance, with Gibson not buying into recent criticism of his leader.
“Michael has been leading and playing very well for us,” Gibson said.
“He’s been one of our most consistent players and again he showed that on Saturday night.”
Phantom
Roar Rookie
A couple of good wins no doubt but much tougher teams to come. Personally I cant see them winning a majority of those games so they will struggle to climb the ladder. The Brumbies however could conceivably win all their remaining games. Should they do so or go close then they will top the Australian conference.
Ken Cathpole's Other Leg
Guest
He has a name Ken, just like you and I.
ken
Guest
We don`t CUW, CHECKA rates them..
ken
Guest
How many penalty kicks did their flyhalf miss ?? 3 ..Tahs very lucky
taylorman
Roar Guru
And what are the chances he'd be concerned about that? ?
Zero Gain
Guest
I am starting to think Gibson may be an OK or even a good coach but if he really believes that complacency is his biggest problem, or even realistically a problem at all, he goes back into the useless category for me.
Boz the Younger
Guest
Not after seeing them go feral after the Super win in 2014. Would rather see them lose now, it keeps their egos in check just a bit.
CUW
Guest
not sure why auzzy rate both dennis and mumm so highly. both are mirror images of the other. they are good players at super level but surely not test class. the guy nsw is missing is jackpot. he was the driving force of the forwards for like 2-3 years. now they have no such leader , and hooper is not that guy , though a s player he is top class.
cs
Roar Guru
Hubris grows like topsy here in Tah-Land. Think you got it beat, and next thing you know its all over you. Good call Gibbo.
cs
Roar Guru
Bit hard. After he was dropped from the starting line up for a game, Dennis has lifted his effort in the last two weeks . Also a bit hard to put any blame on Benny Robbo, since he's hardly played. Tom Robertson looks a top prospect. TPN also makes a helluva difference. Agree, Mumm has to make some effort in the finger pulling out dept.
Cynical Play
Guest
Not a fan, Boz?
Machooka
Roar Guru
Yeah Cynical... pretty much agree with all that. It is now crucial for the Tahs to win convincingly against the Cheetahs... but if they just win well it's just the same old, same old. Meaning it's a win but there's still more questions than answers. But better than a friggin' lost though!?! I, like you, are finding it hard to see them winning more than 4 to 5 of the remaining games this season on their current form, and that's why it's soooo very important for them to win convincingly against the Cheetahs! Regardless, if they can keep on building, can find continous form and momentum, they just might end up being a thorn in the side of another team/s that had higher expectations. C'arn da Tahs... now go on, have a real crack, and make us long suffering supporters proud of ya!!
Boz the Younger
Guest
"There is no love greater than love of thyself". Waratah proverb
Boz the Younger
Guest
PeterK
Roar Guru
agree. The forwards who put in were Hooper, Holloway, Skelton, Ryan, Robertson and TPN. Mumm was dreadful, Dennis bludged he is avoiding contact so he does not get injured before going o/s, Roach was disappointing as well.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Wow, I must have watched a different game cause there was no reason for the Tahs Te be complacent about beating a 14 man side. Looking at recent results I'm wondering about the real strength of the SA super sides.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
If I was Gibson I would be talking about the abysmal forward performance, 30% possession is no platform to win against the Kiwi's. The question must be asked who is not putting in and although I like him as a person, I would point the finger at Dave Dennis. Both starting props and Ben Robinson. Dean Mumm is not playing with the same enthusiasm as during the world cup. If your engine room is stuffed then your chances of going far is small.
PeterK
Roar Guru
brumbies still likely to top oz conference , a much easier run in
peter hughes
Guest
Incredible Tahs have now risen to 11th on the Table - yes 11th - and Skelton & Gibson are talking about complacency as a team issue.
Cynical Play
Roar Rookie
Nothing short of a dominant, convincing win against the Cheetahs next will suggest that the Tahs are really "contenders", at least for the Australian conference. I am a fan but cannot see them winning more than 4 of the final 8 games, on current form. Prove me wrong Tahs. The Brumbies have an easier run home and could conceivably win all their games (one bye). The Rebels have a bye too, but otherwise they seem to have nearly as tough a run-home draw as the Tahs. Next weeks clash between the Brumbies and Rebels shapes as being crucial to the Rebels campaign. If they win, then it remains open. If the Rebels lose then it will be the Brumbies conference to lose, notwithstanding their mid-season form slump. Remember after May 7, Taqele Naiyaravoro comes back into Tah camp. I see him as a straight swap for Reece Robinson who needs to go back to grade and get some more time learning the game at that level.