WARATAHS
Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:32
WARATAHS 2008
The team from New South Wales may not have an opportunity as good this to win the Super 14 for a very long time.
The current team has been built up to be a formidable force in Super Rugby, having qualified for the semi-finals twice in the past three years.
The 2007 season was uncharacteristically awful for the Tahs and one suspects the absence of their leader on the field for most of the season was a telling factor.
Phil Waugh is back to lead a hungry group of Waratahs, which are a great team unit. They play attractive rugby, have an outstanding coach and gifted individual players. Apart from the Crusaders and the Sharks, the Waratahs are the team to watch this year.
Strengths: The Waratahs, much like the Brumbies and the Western Force, have great attacking players. They are also a very patient team and are capable of playing eighty minutes of rugby, which is what many teams struggle to do. They
simply have the right attitude.
Weakness: They will be a bit challenged up front. Australian teams are not well known for their forward packs.
Noteworthy signings: Ben Batger (Brumbies); Luke Burgess (Brumbies); Matt Carraro (Brumbies); David Dennis (Sydney University); Ben Mowen (Reds); Timana Tahu (Rugby League); Sekope Kepu (New Zealand Under-21)
Noteworthy losses: Morgan Turinui, Josh Holmes, Leroy Houston, Chris Siale (all Reds),
Coach: Ewen McKenzie has achieved great things with the Waratahs since taking over as Head Coach in 2004. He mentored the 'Tahs to the 2005 Final, which the team lost to the Crusaders in Christchurch. The Waratahs had another inspired season in 2006, where they were knocked out in the semi-final against the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium. However he will also be eager for some silverware, which he thoroughly deserves.
Captain: Phil Waugh is an astonishing player with tremendous heart and skill. He is absolutely exemplary on the field and players can't help but follow. The critical factor in the disastrous 2007 Super 14 was the fact that he missed most of it through a knee injury he sustained against the Cheetahs in Week Three of the tournament. His return will be vital.
Player(s) to watch: The signing of Rugby League defector Timana Tahu for the Super 14 will certainly bolster the Waratahs midfield and add venom to what is already a dangerous backline. He is an unknown quantity to most rugby followers outside Australia, but has an astonishing record in Rugby League and has been dubbed the greatest recruit the New South Wales team has ever signed. Kurtley Beale has a bright future in Australian rugby. He is big, fast and most importantly he has tremendous skill.
2007
Position: 13th
Best finish: 2nd on the standings - losing finalists in 2005
Worst finish: 13th in 2007
Home Venue: Aussie Stadium (previously Sydney Football Stadium) (capacity 42,000)
2008 Prediction: The 'Tahs have a good squad with experienced players, both in the pack and in the backs, that understand what Super 14 rugby is all about. They definitely underachieved in 2007 and should pose a greater threat this year. The 'Tahs will qualify for the semi-final.
Waratahs squad: Alastair Baxter, Ben Batger, Luke Burgess, Matt Carraro, David Dennis, Kurtley Beale, Aaron Broughton-Rouse, Will Caldwell, Tom Carter, Tim Davidson, Matt Dunning, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier, Daniel Halangahu, Ben Hand, Sam Harris, Ben Jacobs, Alex Kanaar, David Lyons, Alfi Mafi, Al Manning, Dean Mumm, Ben Mowen, Sam Norton-Knight, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Beau Robinson,
Benn Robinson, Brett Sheehan, Timana Tahu, Jeremy Tilse, Lote Tuqiri, Lachlan Turner, Josh Valentine, Daniel Vickerman, Phil Waugh.
Schedule:
February 15: v Hurricanes, home
February 23: v Chiefs, away
March 1: v Highlanders, away
March 7: v Brumbies, home
March 14/15: Bye
March 21: v Crusaders, away
March 28: Cheetahs, home
April 5: v Blues, home
April 12: v Western Focre, away
April 19: v Lions, home
April 26: v Sharks, home
May 3: v Bulls, away
May 10: v Stormers, away
May 17: v Reds, away
