The NSW Waratahs are preparing for an abrasive Melbourne outfit in their boom or bust Super Rugby AU clash in Sydney on Saturday night.
Waratahs defence coach Jason Gilmore says they expect the Rebels to bring the physicality at Leichhardt Oval, with the finals hopes on the line for both sides.
“The Rebels have good line-speed through the middle of the field and they like to be really physical,” Gilmore said on Monday.
“Their forwards like to intimidate and try to get on top of you.
“They try to be abrasive and try to throw you off your compass with how you play.”
The two teams are separated by just a point on the competition ladder, with the Waratahs (15) third behind the Brumbies (23) and Queensland, on 21.
The Waratahs have a final round bye, leaving them just the one match to earn points with the top three teams advancing to the play-offs.
If they lose to the Rebels, it’s season over – missing the finals for the fourth time in five years.
But if the Waratahs win with a bonus point, and deny the Rebels the same, they can earn five points and thus move six points clear, meaning that Melbourne won’t be able to catch them even with a big last-round win.
“The focus for us is do-or-die,” Gilmore said on Monday.
“We need to win this one and be really strong in the game to potentially stay in competition so we will certainly be preparing really well.”
The Sydneysiders hope to have backrower Will Miller available for selection after an ankle injury while centre Karmichael Hunt, who was a late withdrawal for their match with the Brumbies with a hamstring twinge, is a chance.
“We will give him (Hunt) this week to see how he pulls up and make that call at the end of the week,” Gilmore said.
The Waratahs started well against the Brumbies, only trailing them by a point at halftime but the Canberra men ran in four unanswered tries in what turned into a disappointing 38-11 scoreline.
Adsa
Roar Rookie
As is the usual I always back the team playing the tahs. But it would be nice to see the Reds have another crack at them. But it's fun seeing the tahs lose to the Rebels. It was even more fun seeing the tahs lose in Round 1. My dilemma of the week!
Paul D
Roar Rookie
News in. Hooper taking a sabbatical next year. Likely Japan. It was always on the cards given the funding constraints at the Tahs. Tizzano or Gamble will get their shot for a season.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Miller is a good 7. I would even go so far to say he might be the best 7 the Brumbies have. But he's a long way from being the best 7 in Australia.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
And yet he has still achieved more in his short career than you will in your entire life.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Yes I hope the Rebs try play up tempo and spin it. That's the game the Tahs want to allow the counterattack. I will be shot down for making the comparison (but so be it). I can see the green shoots of the Crusaders in how the Tahs are going about the open play. Vastly inferior in quality I concede. I wonder if that is Penney's Canterbury pedigree, or just a few young players who possess the right frame of mind.
Drew
Roar Rookie
Seeing players like Ramm and Horton emerge has been one of the real positives. I'm also liking the style of play Penney seems to be trying to evolve. Very much a work in progress, but I'm liking some of the early signs.
Drew
Roar Rookie
I'm actually curious to see how the Tah's/Penney approaches the linespeed that the Rebels have been bringing. They (Tahs) have a few capable kickers so they likewise might try and keep the Rebels turning around all night. Think we might see a bit of kicking. If Hunt can't play that will be a real loss.
MitchO
Guest
Hanigan was selected for test footy before he was ready and lacked impact - but I don't recall him quitting. I thought he tried his best despite being in over his head. Good character worthy of respect.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Problem is it’s top 2 line outs going head to head so the Tahs won’t have the same advantage they’ve had in other games there
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
No it doesn’t but more a response to Tooly’s absurd claim he repeats that Miller is “a real 7” as though others are not.
MitchO
Guest
Doesn't matter if all five are good.
Jamie
Guest
He was destroyed by the abs, a child amongst boys. How do you know what qualifications we have as players.? Roderick stick to ya geriatric dancing ya nuffie.
Harry Jones
Expert
Looking for LOs to function; if so, I think Tahs have a shout.
Rod Stewart’s Junk
Roar Rookie
Ok boys. I’ve seen this young man drive into rucks against the all blacks and I’m pretty sure neither of you have had the pleasure and pain of that. I’m enjoying he’s growth, his increased physicality, and his determination to prove, well I hope, his ability to worthless judgemental pricks like yourselves. I’m not his mum just a bloke that highest rugby honours was playing ‘international rugby’ against the Solomon Islands old boys. This guy is improving and needs a break. And the wallabies need capable options at 5, 4 and 6.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think up tempo suits the Tahs. Rebels do well when they pin the corners, play territory, keep the scoreboard ticking over and wear teams down.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Do you understand modern rugby at all?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Will Miller is probably the 5th best 7 running around right now
Paul D
Roar Rookie
And despite the rivalry, it is good to see you northerners are starting to emerge from your funk.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Glad you blue lads have something to cheer you, I agree the Tahs have some positives to take out of this year. And as I have said before, even from a Reds fan perspective, that’s a good thing for us all.
Greg Hughes
Roar Rookie
The Rebs now know how to beat the Tah. They will win going away. Watch for an up tempo game. If they get the pace in the game they should win well. Similar to their Brumbies performance. The week off has worked a treat as they looked shot in their last performance. Rebs to win. Centre choices will be watched carefully.