The Waratahs need to find something special when they travel across the Tasman to face the Hurricanes off a five-day turnaround. Join The Roar for live scores, commentary and of course your say from 5:35pm (AEST).
The Tahs currently sit three points behind the Brumbies and two in front of the Reds, making this match do-or-die, with another loss giving the Brumbies some room to breathe, although the ACT side face the Queenslanders in Canberra tomorrow.
Bernard Foley is okay to play, much to the relief of many who support the Waratahs. Taqele Naiyaravoro will start for Reece Robinson, while Rob Horne has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, keeping Israel Folau in the centres.
Bryce Hegarty will start at fullback, while Andrew Kellaway moves to the bench. Tom Robertson will be a loss in the forwards, facing concussion issues, and Paddy Ryan will replace him. Jed Holloway moves to the bench, with Michael Wells starting.
The Hurricanes are resting a few, but still have plenty of depth – as most New Zealand sides do. To make it difficult for the Waratahs there are still the Barretts, Cory Jane is returning, Matt Proctor, Nigel Lumape, TJ Perenara.
However the NSW side will be glad that the Hurricanes haven’t unleashed either Saveas or Dan Coles.
Prediction
The Hurricanes will be too strong here, as has been the case for New Zealand sides taking on the Aussies this year.
Hurricanes by 11.
ClarkeG
Guest
It's not about knocking the ball down. It's about knocking the ball on - knocking it forward.
ClarkeG
Guest
Never a ruck - no offside line. Folau just rushed in and went off his feet. He did not form a ruck.
ClarkeG
Guest
Have a close look at it. He may have a point.
ClarkeG
Guest
What's chance got to do with it but considering he got his leading hand partly ahead of the ball then one could argue he had some chance. You've never seen Barrett intercept a pass before?
ClarkeG
Guest
Yeah MachI have watched the first one several times over and I think you may have a point. The second one however was clear and obvious.
Dave
Guest
And the passing of whiney loser goes to you buttercup
woodart
Guest
what more do people want? .... the stadium isnt that good for watching rugby, as its buggered up for cricket so many of the seats are a long way from the action. plus stadium management are notorious for overcharging for refreshments , and being round , is a great wind tunnel, in a windy city. So , many locals and those nearby(me) ,stay home, and maybe(???) pay to watch on tv.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks Brent. Prediction is off by 1, pretty good! The Barrett RC should have been a penalty try, would have led to a 3 point game. Canes displaying the same weaknesses in D as last week. Gibbo's guys did a better in exploiting it. The missing speedster (Ardie) in backrow another difference. Tahs failed to commit to withstand the Canes in the first 20' and let in 21 points. This is where Gibbo must get his guys to get their heads right. ...btw no uproar on the numerous forward passess and offsides not called by the Ref on Canes? ;)
DanFan
Guest
The first YC was a spear tackle.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I reckon the Blues are going to have a blinder tonight. I feel like something is building too..
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Love your optimism TM ... two weeks ... in two weeks, the Blues will not be the team that others can count their points on the ladder. I say 2 weeks, giving them that time to get their combinations together once a full squad is available to chosen from ...any markable improvement before then will be a bonus... *S*
P B
Guest
Rly? I hope you don't rely on analysis or forecasting for a living.
P B
Guest
First one I think he was actually going to knock the players arms as they were passing, which is a very common tactic.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
But you seem to know a lot about BBBBB game and still you are here at the Roar. How does that makes sense?
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Thanks for all insight ClarkeG. Been reading more today and it seems that you have been spot on fro the start. one match suspension looks very much as the likely outcome. The Blues gotta love that.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
LOL! Very fair point Ken!
soapit
Guest
oh ok then
Lara
Guest
Got nothing to do with him is his approach..I am the Wallaby coach period.
Hokonui27
Guest
onya canes.....15 minutes with 14 men....some nice tries there. onya tahs....good comeback. read last week Gibson was asking for that very strategy....stop kicking the ball back......hold possession and work hard on the ball.....gaps will open up. top player in my eyes was your fullback hegarty....made some stunning return runs and was leading the comeback. Crate of Speights for that man.
Misha
Guest
Is Beuden the most amazing player to watch - such grace and speed...