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The key to success for winless Waratahs as they eye first-up victory over Rebels
By Online Editors
Halfback Jake Gordon says NSW Waratahs senior players need to support their promising youngsters as they chase an anxiety-relieving Super Rugby win on Friday against the equally-desperate Melbourne Rebels.
It will be the Tahs' first domestic hit-out of the season after convincing losses to the Crusaders and Blues, both from New Zealand.
The unbeaten conference-leading Brumbies have skipped eight points clear of NSW and Melbourne, who clash at AAMI Park.
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"We've addressed that local derbies are a big one at the moment for us obviously if we win our conference it propels us into finals," Gordon said.
"They are in the same position as we are at the moment with two losses but i think for us it's a huge game this weekend, going down to Melbourne.
"I think probably easing the anxiety a little bit coming away with a win will be really good for us."
Saturday's 32-12 loss to the Blues in Newcastle meant NSW lost their first two games of a Super season for the first time.
Poor execution with the ball, erratic defence, kicking and scrummaging were all issues for the Tahs, who were outscored 24-5 and four tries to one after halftime.
"A lot the same as the Crusaders game, had a lot of opportunities, once again that last pass didn't stick," Gordon said.
"We probably didn't stick to the gameplan either.
"There are promising signs. I know we said it last week too.
"We're creating stuff it's just we need to be better at finishing."
It was a mixed night for their two exciting young backs, winger Mark Nawaqanitawase and five-eighth Will Harrison.
Nawaqanitawase's acrobatic dive resulted in his third try in two games, though he landed awkwardly and had to come off, but was later cleared of any injury.
"I think the senior guys (need) to probably put their arm around them and be like 'lets move on to the next job'," Gordon said.
"But from what I've seen from those young guys, I actually think they've been going really well."
Gordon said his halves partner Harrison wasn't having any problems directing and ordering far more senior colleagues around the park.
"I think with 10 he has to and he's been doing that," Gordon said
"I've been really happy with Will, I've loved playing with him so far.
"I love that he's such an attacking weapon."
- AAP
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Latest Comments
Excellent points Mz. Because of other commitments I have just watched the game.
Interesting watching it after reading all the news reports especially in the English media. I was expecting to see a game that the ABs were very lucky to win. What I saw was a game that England showed their tactical incompetence and their inability to construct any try scoring opportunities.
They can go on deluding themselves that they were unlucky to lose ( as Borthwick said post match ) but until they stop relying on rush defence and goal kicking to win I feel they're doomed to be ranked 4 or 5 in the world.
Can't wait until the weekend to see how the Wallabies go against them
Though I dare say Walter will be hoping for an England win.
Go to commentsIF SA and NZ win then its 1,2,3 SA/NZ/IRL Otherwise as you were. This is largely irrelevant beyond bragging rights.
As I have pointed out elsewhere the practical use of the Rankings is to determine the seedings bands for the RWC draw. The draw takes place early 2026 and hopefully the rankings will be taken from then.
Important to be in the top 6, the top 12. (and likely the top 4).
This is because there are now 6 groups in the RWC 2027.
If you are in top 6 you are in Seeding Band 1. That means none of the other top 6 will be in your group.
Seeding Band 2 are teams from 7-12, who will have a top 6 team but no other 7-12 team.
After England's defeat by NZ there is clear water between NZ in 3rd, France in 4th and England in 5th. England are desperate for top4, ill come back and explain why later.
Lets look at Seeding Band 1 and 6th place. If you make 6th, no top 6 team is in your group, you are top dog. If you win your group, you won't be facing a top 6 team in your 1/8th final, you will be facing a weaker team. If you fail to make 6th place you WILL have a top 6 team in your group and if you don't win your group you WILL (probably) meet a top 6 in the 1/8 final. That's massive.
Its Argentina holding 6th now. Assuming England hold 5th, then its a 4 horse race for 6th. Argentina, Scotland, Italy and ...Australia. (ranked 6,7,8,9)
Australia play the Lions in NH summer 2025 they are running out of time to get up to 6th for their own RWC. They MUST make a move now. They must beat Wales and they really must beat Scotland to gain points and take points off them. Could they surprise England or Ireland? England may be the better bet but Schmidt knows Ireland so well having masterminded their downfall in France.
Another one to watch is Italy V Argentina. Italy are ambitious and they will want to start pushing the likes of Argentina. If they win this they are still in the hunt. Well worth a watch either way.
Top4: I think the top 6 will be seeded, all the way through from the draw. If thats the case then the top 4 will be seeded to avoid each other until the semi. Good for more certainty around ticket sales etc. That's a possible reason why England want in there. You're not in there you are hitting a top 4 team in a QF. That's an extra 50:50 match you can do without and avoid by being top 4.
Lets look at what Seeding bands might look like with todays rankings:
Seeding Band 1
IRE/SA/NZ/FRA/ENG/ARG
Seeding Band 2
SCO/ITA/AUS/FIJ/WAL/GEO
Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if in top 6
Strongest pool opponent: FIJI
1/8 final opponent GEORGIA
Prognosis: advance to 1/4 and potentially beyond
Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if NOT in top 6
Strongest pool opponent: SOUTH AFRICA
1/8 final opponent NEW ZEALAND
Prognosis: You know the prognosis
I am pretty sure this is not lost on Joe Schmidt?
Keep in mind when enjoying the matches.
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