NSW Waratahs captain Bernard Foley has guaranteed his side will show much greater defensive intent and aggression in Saturday’s Super Rugby quarter-final against a dangerous Highlanders outfit.
The Australian conference winners and sole local finals representative conceded six tries in a lacklustre final round loss to the Brumbies last week.
Five-eighth Foley said the issues were a combination of missed tackles and bad defensive reads.
“We’ve definitely addressed that this weekend and I can say there will be a lot more aggression and intent in our defensive line,” Foley said.
“If we can do our style, I’ll back that to prevail against any team under any circumstances.”
Defence looms as a key factor in a game between two sides more renowned for their attacking prowess
Each have conceded an average of just under 28 points a game.
“Both teams have got x-factor over the place, littered with guys who just want to work hard,” Tahs coach Daryl Gibson said.
“There’s a lot of no frills about the Highlanders and our forward pack, so I think it’s a really evenly matched game.
“The Highlanders are a very clever team, they are always trying different stuff, they are very exciting to watch. So a lot of our preparation is around how do we prevent that.”
As Gibson expected, the Highlanders recalled several stars who were rested last week. with All Blacks superstars Ben and Aaron Smith among those returning..
Gibson noted a better attitude from his side this week after criticising their lack of focus against the Brumbies.
“We acknowledged that we weren’t where we should be, early signs this week is (they are) a lot sharper, the boys know it’s finals footy and what’s required,” Gibson said.
He made just one change to the side that lost their final round match to the Brumbies last weekend.
Winger Alex Newsome was promoted to the starting side, with Cam Clark dropped to the bench.
“Alex has been really impressive over the last three games in terms of his impact off the bench, he really deserves a start,” Gibson said.
Waratahs team to face Highlanders
Israel Folau, Alex Newsome, Curtis Rona, Kurtley Beale, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Bernard Foley (capt), Nick Phipps, Michael Wells, Will Miller, Ned Hanigan, Rob Simmons, Jed Holloway, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Tom Robertson.
Replacements: Tolu Latu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Tom Staniforth, Brad Wilkin, Jake Gordon, Cam Clark, Bryce Hegarty.
riddler
Guest
cheers james.. when i wrote the question.. he wasn't there nor was he on planetrugby's team announcement either.
bluffboy
Guest
Darrel's having Hammo and Aaron over for a BBQ after to discuss the coulder, shoulder, woulders and Bernard and Nick are doing the entertainment. Apparently they are do an Abbott and Costello "Who's" man was that, "What" tackle.... Com mon the Landers...…..
bluffboy
Guest
Yes what I've seen of Will Miller looks promising. Hopefully when Hopper returns he not left out and wasted. Nice speed and reasonable over the ball, he really is worth putting some time into. I'm looking forward to seeing how the Landers deal with Izzy at restarts. Do you think Darrel will be having Aaron and Hammo over for a BBQ. Probably not it would only get the conspiracist's flapping...….
WArugbynut
Guest
Well i think that's a standard uninspiring statement from Foley after a loss. I'm going to actually put money on the Highlanders after that.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
It’s going to be an interesting match up. I think the Tahs will miss the pace of Hooper but Miller looks Ok. The other point of interest is that the head coaches of the sides played together for the crusaders so not sure that plans laid by the opposing coach will surprise neither
bluffboy
Guest
Maybe Bernard will mention that statement before the game to get a good laugh out of the boys in the locker room before coming out this week. Although the Tah’s have performed much better than I expected this season, I'm not sure that they are capable of delivering the intent and physicality required. Matching Up Tight 5 Looks like a good contest. Breakaways Looks close as well, I do like the looks of the new boy Miller. But I will give a slight advantage to the Landers. Inside Backs Absolutely the Landers Centers Defensively too the Landers, Attack even money or slightly to the Tah’s. Outside Backs It will be a well contested and a great spectacle with both wings. Full Back is the unknown. Smith is the complete 15 and if the Landers limit time and space for Izzy the landers should come out on top of that one.
Brizvegas
Guest
Looking at both teams one is full of internationals and the other has a few so on that basis the Tahs should wipe the floor with the Highlanders
Nigel
Guest
Have been wondering when Cam Clarke was going to be dropped!! There are better players in Club Land Tahs, this will be your final game for the season boys!!!
Mike
Guest
' Bernard Foley has guaranteed his side will show much greater defensive intent' - simple, if the don't they're gone.
taylorman
Roar Guru
yes vs the highest scoring side at home who beat them convincingly previously...the stars need to come out for sure...
jameswm
Roar Guru
He's on the bench, so he's not injured.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Mind you Delaney (the defence coach for Highlanders also has opened his trap ... ”Of course it is. Absolutely. It's definitely good enough to win the competition," a defiant Delaney told Stuff” .... ...that’s after leaking a mere 127 points in three games ....
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
“If we can do our style, I’ll back that to prevail against any team under any circumstances.” This followed a statement made by Foley that “they (the Tahs) can beat any team in the world” What’s in the water in Aussie? Talks cheap but they need to ‘walk the walk’ before they do the talking. Anyhow I’m looking forward to a good game and may be best team on the day prevail ...
Tah Girl
Roar Rookie
Tolu Latu still on the bench is a joke!!!! The game is set to be won on the forwards and the scrum and they continue to start Fitzpatrick who lost 3 line outs last week and couldn’t hold up the scrum for Keps and Robertson!!! Also no pilfering and even more a concern with no Hoops!! How about we field our strongest team to get us off to a flying start - not rocket science coaches!!!!
Tah Girl
Roar Rookie
Tolu Latu still on the bench??? What a joke!! If the game is likely to be won up front and at the scrum then drop the politics that’s been going on throughout the season and let the best players start!!!!!
Riddler
Guest
Is Gordon injured or he is falling further out of favour?
Stu B.
Guest
Man for man can't see this team doing the business but anything can happen in 80+ minutes.
Fita
Guest
Still no Tolu Latu in the starting line up... what a joke!! Good luck with the line outs and scrum!!!!
Roger
Guest
So if they don't do that what's up for grabs under 'Nards guarantee?