NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson will back the attacking instincts of his surging Super Rugby side on their nailbiting run home.
Heading into the last two rounds, the Tahs are level on points with Australian conference leader the Brumbies, who hold top spot because they have one more win.
NSW face a critical match next Saturday at home to the Hurricanes, who are five points ahead of them and hold one of the Australasian group wildcard spots.
The Tahs have produced some dazzling rugby in the two matches either side of the June Test break, running in 15 tries.
They crossed nine times in Saturday’s 57-12 rout of the Sunwolves in Tokyo, having posted six-five pointers against the Chiefs in their previous game.
Their only defeat in their last seven matches was away to the Crusaders, when they played a more defensive game than in their two most recent outings.
“Certainly I think our players respond to that type of freedom and we pride ourselves on our attack,” Gibson said on Sunday.
“We want to be an attacking team, we want to keep the ball in play and keep the ball alive.
“I’d love to be able to play a really strong kicking game, but I think it takes time, it takes a lot of practise and to have really good kickers.
“So for us it’s about balance and making sure we play to our strengths.”
Gibson was wary of the attacking capabilities of a “very dangerous” Hurricanes side.
“They are an exciting team, with the likes of (All Blacks five-eighth) Beauden Barrett,” Gibson said.
“He’s in some form, he really had an excellent series with the All Blacks and he really is such an attacking threat.
“Then you’ve got Dane Coles, who as captain really leads by example and as a hooker he does some stuff really that you don’t expect of a hooker.”
Gibson said it would be presumptuous to target a bonus-point against a team like the Hurricanes.
NSW backup halfback Matt Lucas suffered lateral ligament damage to an ankle in Tokyo and is in doubt for Saturday’s game.
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
Flip a coin. Brumbies more likely but the Tahs looking good.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Brumbies will take the top AU spot, unless they mess up. Yes, they could slip on the Blues, but let's assume they don't and then finish the Force without problems. Tahs face the Hurricanes next week in Sydney, in a must win match; of the Tahs win, they will be one point away from the Hurricanes (Highlanders should beat Jaguares, so will probably be ahead of both). If Tahs lose, they are probably out (unless Blues beat Brumbies). BIG final round: The Hurricanes play the Crusaders in Christchurch. Crusaders' loss to the Chiefs means they will be probably be looking for a win to finish on top of NZ. It will be a massive game which could go either way. Tahs play the Blues in Auckland. Beating the Blues in NZ is always hard, and Blues will have nothing to lose (but also no big motivation). But it's not an impossible task. Highlanders play the Chiefs in Dunedin. Like the Crusaders, the Chiefs will also be playing for the home advantage so will be motivated. Should be another cracker of a game. Combination of these matches, plus bonus points, are what really going to decide it. Five teams, four spots, tough games. As long as the Tahs can find a win next week, should be a fantastic last round. Whomever takes that last wildcard in Australasia will likely play the top seed (Chiefs, Crusaders or Lions) at their home - tough call for all contenders!
David
Guest
Bit sad when we have to top the conference to be guaranteed a place in the finals because we may not have scored enough points to claim one of the wildcard spots.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Carn the Tahs, we can do this. Brums are away to the Blues, could be tough.