The NSW Waratahs will field a new-look line-up on Friday night as they venture to Melbourne with a genuine desperation to save their Super Rugby season.
Coach Daryl Gibson won’t reveal his hand until Thursday, but his assistant Nathan Grey says an overhaul is in the wind after the Waratahs’ worst start to a campaign.
“You’ll probably see some changes, yeah,” Grey said on Tuesday as the Waratahs bid to bounce back from three straight comprehensive defeats at the hands of the Lions, Sharks and Brumbies.
“The way things have been going, it’s been frustrating.
“But the pleasing thing is – I know it sounds strange – but we’re controlling a lot of our own errors.”
The Waratahs are again sweating on Bernard Foley making his first appearance of the season after missing the first four games with post-concussion symptoms.
The Wallabies’ playmaker has trained without setback so far this week and a decision will be made on his availability after Wednesday’s full-contact session and before the side head south on match eve.
Star centre Israel Folau was rested on Tuesday, but Grey said the dual John Eales Medallist was in no danger of missing the crucial derby at AMI Park.
“He pulled up a little bit sore from (Saturday night’s) game,” Grey said.
“With that short turnaround, he’s a player who we know can perform on limited preparation and, in terms of making sure he’s really firing on all cylinders, the decision was made with the medical staff just to let him sit out today and he’ll drop straight in tomorrow for a real high-speed session.”
Inside centre Irae Simone is one player battling to retain his place in the run-on side. He looks even more unlikely to start after having an injection for a nagging knee injury that will prevent him training for 48 hours.
Veteran Dean Mumm admitted the under-performing Tahs could hardly moan about any potential shake-up.
Mumm said the players must accept as much responsibility for the side’s sorry plight as coach Gibson.
“We’re the ones that are going out there and offering a collective performance. We own that,” he said.
“We know we’re not playing how we want to play and to an identity that we’re inherently proud of – and we’re going to get better.
“But if there’s going to be personnel changes, it’s hard to say people haven’t had chances and, if you don’t perform, someone else might get the opportunity to play.
“I back the quality of our squad and the strengths within it, so those people who get the opportunity, it will be very exciting to see what they can do in the jumper.”
Grey said not even the winless Rebels could be as desperate as the Waratahs.
“We’re going down to Melbourne with a clear real focus and a real desperation to win,” he said.
“It’s definitely a must-win for us.”
AAP DJW/AJW
Headline: RU:Tahs desperate for Rebels Super Rugby win
Browny
Roar Rookie
Someone should do a rundown of his history. I'm not so sure they'd be a great set of numbers.
Browny
Roar Rookie
You mean like how they beat them last year in Sydney?...
Jack
Guest
Maybe the Tahs stars are worn out from all their games for for the Wallabies.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Good point, Piru. I don't think he is a fantastic captain, and absolutely would prefer him not to be Wallabies captain when we have guys like Genia and (hopefully again soon) Pocock, as well as young and super enthusiastic guys like Kerevi and Coleman. That being said, it definitely isn't just his fault his team of paid professionals don't know how to catch, pass, scrummage or kick.
piru
Roar Rookie
Why? Attitude reflects leadership If there's a problem with his team's mindset (and that's what it must be, on paper they are far and away best in the country) - it's at least partly Hooper's fault.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
He's not playing brilliantly himself, but can you imagine how Hooper feels having to play with, and lead, this team? I feel terrible for the guy.
piru
Roar Rookie
Well played Andy Well played
AndyS
Guest
It is a point that has been made before. So many want a strong Shute Shield, and the best way would be to cut the Waratahs from SR. NSW can focus on Premier Rugby, the ARU can start to take a more even-handed view of the remaining teams, everybody wins. Surprised Papworth isn't all over it.
Marto
Guest
GOO THE REBELS !! ..GOOOOO YOU GOOD THINGS !!!
Paul
Guest
GO YOU REBELS..
gman
Guest
There is a small part of me that wants the Rebels to get up....(Tah Foundation memeber) NSWRU has lost its way ..... it must be contagious as the ARU seem to also be a little off (chortle chortle ) as well BRING ON SHUTE SHIELD - Super Franchises doing club rugby a huge favour this year
Jock Cornet
Guest
Yeah can't wait for some tribalism Shute shield. Go the beasts. The tahs should beat the Sydney uni students. Ie rebels
DJW
Guest
Has there been a team that Nathan Grey has been defence coach of that doesn't concede huge points?
Daveyboy
Guest
A win against this year's Rebels side should be a given. If not, we go up against the Hurricanes and Crusaders so there is a distinct possibility of being 1-8 when we reach round 9. If that's the case Daryl's job would seem untenable. Even if we do beat the Rebs, we'll probably be 2-8 entering round 9 - watch and weep. Bring on the Shute Shield so I can watch some decent rugby at North Sydney Oval - oh what a match that final was!
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
This Tahs fan is wondering if he can watch another game where the Tahs play so badly for 80. Even if I can, I think my voting rights have eroded with 'she who controls the control'. And in all honesty who could blame her? Great anticipation before the kick-off followed by cushions thrown at tele, and the occasional loud blue word. She's right when she says 'get a life'. Look I'm actually okay with losing. Just kick well, make your tackles, catch and pass, and get the set pieces right, and if we get bowled over by a better team on the night we can live with it. But dropping passes, crap kicking and not winning your own lineouts, is never going to give you much of a chance. Now I understand that they're not full time professionals and are doing their best after their day day job. Hang on..............
Brizvegas
Guest
Go Rebels nice rant PM ARU can do without SA and NZ well both can do without ARU who are in the current predicament because of poor planning and financial mismanagement
PM
Guest
Go the Rebels - you guys are up against it being based in Melbourne = Reds and Waratahs given notice they wont be cut. You need to kick their arse boys and show them that the eastern seaboard is not the only place Rugby can exist although all the power brokers in Australian Rugby would like to think so. Been watching Rugby for many years always been proud to be an Australian and a Wallaby fan. Pity those clowns in Sydney running the show did not think the same way. Get some balls and stand up to the SA and the Kiwis. We don't need them if it comes to a showdown. We can always suspend sporting relations and rebuild in Asia. That is where the money is.