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Waratahs chairman throws some low key shade at Bernard Foley
By Jamie Wall
In a move that will please fans of passive-aggressive behavior worldwide, NSW Waratahs chairman Roger Davis has dropped a not-so-subtle hint that he'd prefer a more skillful number 10 in his side.
Quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald, Davis bemoaned the Waratahs horrible 2017 season before heaping praise on the depth of talent in New Zealand rugby:
"What you'd give for a Beauden Barrett or someone that could actually give us that depth of play."
Incumbent Waratahs and Wallabies fly half Bernard Foley might feel pretty aggrieved about this particular remark, given that he's had to work behind a pack that's struggled to gain any ascendency all season. Besides, it was only two seasons ago that he guided the Wallabies to a World Cup final and three since his heroics sealed a maiden Super Rugby title for the Waratahs.
But Davis is very much from the 'what have you done for me lately' school of thought, judging by the rest of his comments. He describes Sydney fans as 'fickle', that 'no one likes Friday night games' and that players have 'faded dramatically'.
However, both he and Waratahs skipper Michael Hooper have thrown their support behind embattled coach Daryl Gibson.
Hooper was quoted as saying: "There's complete support behind Daryl and he's the direction forward for this club."
Gibson might want to change gears in the off season though, 2017 has been one of the worst ever for the Waratahs. They've won only four games this year, enduring a hiding last weekend to the Jaguares. They end their season tonight in Perth, where they'll take on the Force.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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