It's Never Too Early to Get Carried Away About The Tahs

Let's get this bandwagon rolling.

This is the year that the Waratahs finally come good. Sure it's only two weeks into the season, sure they're only one from two, but the planets are aligning and the Rugby gods are smiling.

Consider that the loss of Kurtley Beale has already been more than adequately covered. Bernard Foley at fullback is the find of the season, a revelation last weekend with his speed, tactical nous and innate positioning ability. His defensive ability has yet to be fully tested but this all sounds very similar to when Beale was first shifted to fullback because defensively he wasn't up to the task at five-eighth. He improved markedly. Foley can also kick goals. A like for like replacement if there ever was one. Beale is also injury prone. Foley is new and young enough to take a few knocks.

Consider too that Adam Ashley-Cooper was the buy of the season. He has ably slotted into the Waratahs playing structure. The Waratah style of steady build-ups and explosive capitalising (as opposed to other teams who roll the dice by spinning it wide at every opportunity) suits his direct and incisive running perfectly. On the wing he is nimbly inserting himself without abandoning traditional winger responsibilities. Much like Drew Mitchell and Lachlan Turner who'll be watching the season from the plastic seats.

Consider three that Tom Carter is in career best form. Carter's been around so long there's a groove along the turf at the SFS about 12 metres in from each sideline. Defenders may know to defend this but it makes no difference to Carter who still finds himself crossing the tryline at the end of his grooves on a regular basis. Even with one eye (with thanks to Adam Byrnes) Carter's one dimensional play is perfectly adequate.

Consider four Daniel Halangahu, NSW's most-capped five eighth ever (really) but who only now has worked out what he should be doing and Berrick Barnes who hasn't been needed or missed.

Consider five the quality of the forwards back from injury. Totafu Polota-Nau, Ben Robinson and especially Cliffy Palu are running rings around their opposition, pushing them back in the scrums and dominating the lineouts. And this is only two matches in. Think about what they'll be like with another few matches under their belts. And meanwhile Sekope Sepu is scoring tries like a fleetfooted winger and Rocky Elsom is still to come. There's your Wallabies pack right there.

Super Rugby glory beckons for the Waratahs. If there was ever a season for the Waratahs to reach their potential and just make semi-finals before going out ingloriously then this is it. Sigh.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Dear rolling maul, loving your excellent assesment of the benefits of having a Tommie Carter in the Waratahs. What was coach Foley thinking, leaving him out of last week's very physical game at the house of pain. Anyway for those that love the beauty of averageness, you will certainly love these very unaverage try celebrations by Tommie.

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