1
'You've got to go again': Waratahs out to prove beating Crusaders was no fluke
By AAP
Intent on not being one-hit wonders, the NSW Waratahs have swiftly shifted their focus to claiming another prized scalp following their shock Super Rugby Pacific victory over the champion Crusaders.
After three ordinary trial showings and a season-opening loss to the Queensland Reds, the Waratahs were the talk of the tournament after upending the Crusaders 37-24 in Melbourne.
"We simplified it a lot. The game plan was just to carry a lot harder, connect and just compete and scrap for everything," said try-scoring lock Hugh Sinclair.
"It felt like we did that for the majority of the game.
"Look, they're a good team. They're definitely missing some players compared to the year before, but still they've got some players there that won multiple Super Rugby titles.
"So you've got to be happy with that, but we also know we're one and one early in the season and it's not a very long season.
"So you've got to go again."
Dogged by inconsistency in recent seasons, Sinclair said the Tahs only celebrated briefly in the AAMI Park sheds last Saturday night before pledging to get straight back to work in preparation for Friday's hosting of the Highlanders in Sydney.
"We just parked it there. We knew we had a short turnaround," he said.
"Obviously people are calling this a massive upset. If we want to be a good team, we're just calling it a win and the good teams go again and back it up.
"At the end of the year, does anyone care about us beating the Crusaders if we don't back it up and get into the finals or what-not?
"You probably just wasted the season then otherwise.
"So we know we've got to go again and the Highlanders, they're a different beast this year.
"I really like what they're doing."
While the Waratahs are trying to keep a lid on things, Sinclair did concede upsetting the Crusaders had given the squad a burst of energy.
"Even on the bus back to the hotel, the week before is like a funeral," he said.
"Then, after a win like that, you're chirping a bit and you're talking about the game and, yeah, bouncing on Monday."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' weaknesses
3
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
4
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
5
Latest Comments
GB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
Go to commentsTupaea is a natural 12. What is it with you kiwis and playing players out of their positions. Is that some sort of national sport? Is that on purpose? You’ve got an utility back and a winger at 12 and 13 respectivelly. You played Savea at 8 for ages, wasting the potential of one of the world’s three best players in the last 4-5 years.
ALB is equally effective at 12 and 13, so why not have him or Tupaea at 12, and Proctor at 13? God forbid you’d have two midfielders playing at their natural positions! There must be a law in New Zealand, that prohibits that. Small sample size, but Proctor walked on water in his international debut at 13.
But the kiwi selectors seem to love Rieko’s speed, so as long as the horse is fast enough, they decided they’ll teach him to climb trees anyway.
You don’t have a better 10 than BB and Mo’unga. DMac is a more instinctive attacker (almost as good as Mo’unga … almost), but doesn’t have BB’s game-controlling skills. You have and will lose games due to his aimless kicking and spur-of-the-moment inventions none of his team mates are able to read at the international pace. Works okay at Super Rugby level, doesn’t mean it’s transferable to test matches. But hey, suit yourself.
Go to comments