'Tahs tackle themselves silly
Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:03
The Waratahs 17-12 victory over the Western Force at the Subiaco Oval on Saturday was the result of some courageous defence from Ewen McKenzie's team.
According to the Waratahs defensive coach Les Kiss, the 'Tahs make an average of 118 to 125 tackles per game.
Against the Force it was double that, as the Sydney-based franchise made an astounding 250 tackles.
The Force dominated both territory and possession but were unable to cross the try-line throughout the 80 minutes.
Topping the tackle count was lock Dan Vickerman with 35 tackles, followed by No.8 Wycliff Palu, who made 25.
It is no surprise then, that Waratahs officials are describing it as one of the team's greatest ever defensive performances.
"That's the highest tackle count I've seen," Kiss told the Sydney Morning Herald, adding that it was one of the team's best defensive performances since he joined the Waratahs in 2002.
"It's right up there, particularly when you have players making 35 tackles," he said of Vickerman's effort.
"One of the real pleasing aspects was that though focused on defence, we had guys willing to try to attack, such as Lote Tuqiri, who took it upon himself to make sure he injected something into the game," added Kiss.
The Waratahs were also pleased there were no casualties ahead of Saturday's match against the Lions at the Sydney Football Stadium, with Kiss expecting centre Tom Carter and captain Phil Waugh to play, despite both having to be replaced through injury in Perth.
