Waratahs Need to Address Key Issues to Revive Their Season
Michael Hooper, a legend of the NSW Waratahs, has highlighted several fundamental changes that the team needs to implement in order to revive their struggling Super Rugby Pacific season. The Waratahs have faced a challenging start to the season, with a 4-6 record placing them ninth out of 11 teams. This marks the second consecutive year under coach Dan McKellar where the team has started strong but then faltered dramatically.
The recent 20-17 loss to the Western Force in Sydney was particularly disheartening for the team. Coach McKellar appeared visibly frustrated during the match, and the performance left the team looking out of sync. The loss further emphasized the need for immediate action from the coaching staff and players alike.
One of the most concerning aspects of the game was the performance of marquee player Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who carried the ball only three times for just three metres in 60 minutes. This lack of impact from a key player was a clear indicator of the team’s struggles.
Coach Simon Cron of the Western Force, when asked about his team’s performance, admitted it was a “bit of a tough watch.” This statement reflects the general sentiment surrounding the Waratahs’ current form.
The Importance of Winning
The ‘must win’ tag is often overused, but it seems appropriate for the upcoming match against the Highlanders. The Highlanders are currently one point above the Waratahs in seventh place, while the Waratahs are six points off the top-six playoff pace. This makes the match crucial for the team’s chances of securing a playoff spot.
Forward Play Needs Improvement
According to Hooper, the biggest issue facing the Waratahs is their forward play. He pointed out that the forwards are not creating enough go-forward ball. Instead of running first and then catching the ball, they are catching the ball and then starting their run. This approach makes it easier for the defensive line to tackle and ground the attackers.
Hooper also noted that the Waratahs have some outstanding players in their forward pack, including link players and big guys. However, they lack bruisers who can provide an easy advantage at the line. As a result, the team needs to be more creative in their approach to unlock the potential of their backs and wide threats.
Coaching Challenges
The Waratahs have had a series of coaches since winning their only title under Michael Cheika in 2014. Daryl Gibson, Rob Penney, Darren Coleman, and now Dan McKellar have all taken charge, but none have managed to turn the team’s fortunes around.
McKellar, known for his success with the Brumbies, was expected to make a significant impact. However, his team has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in terms of territory and possession.
Player Performance
Suaalii’s return from injury was disappointing, as he was virtually invisible on the field. McKellar expressed frustration with the team’s inability to create space for their key players. He emphasized that players need to earn space through their performance rather than relying on the opposition to give it to them.
Despite the challenges, McKellar remains optimistic. He pointed out that the team has shown moments of brilliance, defeating teams higher up the ladder such as the Queensland Reds, Brumbies, and Fijian Drua. However, the gap between their best and worst performances is too large, leading to inconsistencies in their overall performance.
