Waratahs turn to rugby league legend ahead of rival clash with Reds
Rugby league legend Steve Roach looms as a secret weapon as the NSW Waratahs strive to turn Leichhardt Oval into their own fortress this year.
After opening their campaign with a drought-breaking 40-10 win over Fijian Drua at CommBank Stadium, the Waratahs face Australia's defending champion Queensland Reds in a step up at Leichhardt on Friday night.
The Reds showdown marks the first of five games this season for the Waratahs at the long-time spiritual home of the NRL's Wests Tigers.
The only other home game for the Tahs will be at the SCG so it's no surprise coach Darren Coleman is eager to make Leichhardt enemy territory for opposition teams.
"The ground is close (to the crowd) - that grandstand's right on you, the hill's awesome and it's accessible from all over the city," Coleman said of one of Sydney's most boutique ovals.
"I reckon we can turn that into a bit of a fortress."
Enter "Blocker" Roach, the former Balmain, NSW State of Origin and Australian cult hero who Coleman has invited in to the Waratahs' dressing room.
Coleman hopes Roach can offer some inspiration for his young charges and some tips on how to make Leichhardt feel like home while the Sydney Football Stadium is being rebuilt.
In addition to the Reds, the Waratahs will host the Western Force, Hurricanes, Blues and 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa winners the Crusaders at Leichhardt.
"It'd be my dream if we can fill those pubs around Balmain this year and get them rolling in (to Leichhardt)," Coleman said.
"If you get 10 or 12,000, it'll be like when Benny (Elias) and 'Blocker' were playing (for the Tigers)."
While thrilled to finally snap their 13-match losing run with their convincing win over the Drua, assistant coach Pauli Taumoepeau insists no one is getting carried away.
Taumoepeau says the Waratahs are well aware the Reds are another "step up" in class.
"There's no sort of bounce in our step. We understand that it's only one game and we played Fijian Drua, it was their first game, so we're not getting ahead of ourselves," he said.
"But it's better to turn up on a Monday when things go right.
"It's like a monkey off our back so now we can get on with the rest of it.
"Like everyone was talking about when are you going to win again, the winless season (from last year) and what-not.
"Now that that's happened, it's almost like it's a weight off our shoulders."
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Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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