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Waratahs' wall repels all-star Reds backline in Super revival
By AAP
A defensive test deep within enemy territory has proved a crucial validation of the NSW Waratahs' improvement a week out from the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Pummelled in a winless season last year, the Waratahs have turned to new coach Darren Coleman to lead the revamped and youthful side out of an historic hole.
The signs of progress were there in Roma on Saturday night, the Waratahs winning the physical battle and repelling the Queensland Reds' all-star backline in a 21-14 win.
The victory followed pre-season wins over the Brumbies and last weekend's novel clash against three separate Shute Shield teams on one day.
Saturday's game, about 500km west of Brisbane, almost didn't happen when more than 2000 rowdy fans were left in darkness by a city-wide blackout 25 minutes before kick-off.
The power returned just as officials were set to call off the game and it was the Waratahs who handled the 80-minute delay best, racing to a 14-0 lead in a dominant first half.
Fullback Alex Newsome was impressive, scoring and assisting before Coleman made widespread changes and the visitors held off the Reds' resurgence — in a big confidence booster before their season opener against newcomers Fijian Drua on Friday.
Their defensive starch was the big takeaway considering the Waratahs conceded 154 more points than they scored across eight rounds of last year's Super Rugby AU season.
"It was a funny start; we didn't know whether we'd be playing or not," Newsome said.
"But the defence was probably the best component of the first half, then the younger boys came on at the back end when (Wallabies prop Taniela) Tupou was wreaking some havoc in the scrum, to maintain some composure and close the game down.
"It wasn't so much a statement, just for ourselves to build confidence.
"Trials are trials, but you do build confidence playing against a strong outfit like that."
Reds coach Brad Thorn admitted they had some work to do, but that the Waratahs had shown they'll be a threat again in 2022.
"They won that physical battle; they have shown they're going to be competitive," he said.
"It's good engagement for us, because we need to pick up our level a bit."
Welsh recruit Jamie Roberts sauntered off after a head knock in the first half in the only injury concern for the Waratahs.
Newsome hoped to have cemented his place in the No.15 jersey, ahead of Kurtley Beale's expected return next season and the exit of Jack Maddocks to the Melbourne Rebels in the off-season.
"I loved it, played a fair bit there coming through but there's been a few good fullbacks that have occupied the jersey while I've been here ... (Israel) Folau, KB (Beale) and Maddocks," he said.
"Hopefully I can stay there."
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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