Preview: NSW Waratahs perfectly positioned for success but can they avoid usual slump?

THE undisputed kings of pre-season hype, NSW Waratahs have again been tipped for big things. Check out our preview!

Dave Dennis (L) captains the Tahs while Israel Folau provides the X-factor.

THE undisputed kings of pre-season hype, NSW Waratahs have again been tipped for big things in the 2014 Super Rugby season.

So will this be the year they avoid a mid-season slip-up to the likes of the Cheetahs or Rebels, or will it be another year of heartache at Moore Park?

Coach Michael Cheika has made it clear he’s after a top-two finish and with arguably their finest ever playing roster, anything but a return to the top six would be deemed a complete failure.

The plans were put in place last season – there can be no excuses in 2014.News_Rich_Media: The five Australian teams have come together at the Super Rugby season launch, and some of the game's biggest names are tipping a tight Australian conference.

Outs: Richard Aho (Béziers, France), Damien Fitzpatrick (Lyon, France), Luke Holmes (released), John Ulugia (US Bressane, France), Ollie Atkins (Edinburgh), Adam Coleman (Force EPS), Greg Peterson (to EPS), Sitaleki Timani (Montpellier, France), AJ Gilbert (released), Lopeti Timani (Rebels), Liam Winton (released), Grayson Hart (Edinburgh), Matt Lucas (to EPS), Berrick Barnes (Panasonic Wild Knights, Japan), Tom Carter (retired), Tom Kingston (Rebels), Drew Mitchell (Toulon, France), Lachlan Turner (Reds).

Ins: Tolu Latu (Sydney University), Tala Gray (Biarritz), Jacques Potgieter (Bulls), Nick Phipps (Rebels), Matthew Carraro (Montpellier), Jono Lance (Reds), Kurtley Beale (Rebels).

X-Factor: Israel Folau

Has there been a better debut rugby season? Probably not. But you get the feeling things are only going to get better for Folau and the Waratahs in 2014.

Already assured of the No.15 jersey by coach Michael Cheika despite the arrival of Kurtley Beale, Folau will again be the Waratahs’ key strike weapon in attack with Cheika even suggesting the dual international could take on a playmaking role as well. News_Rich_Media: Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver has told Fox Sports rugby correspondent Gerard Middleton that Super Rugby expansion is likely to happen as a part of the next broadcast deal.

The Rookie: Tala Gray

A name not known to those outside the inner sanctums of the Waratahs and Brumbies, Gray is back in Sydney after spending two seasons in the Top 14 with Biarritz.

A damaging backrower, Gray came in for special mention from Cheika at the Waratahs season launch – the coach “impressed” by his work in the pre-season. Wycliff Palu will no doubt be Cheika’s first choice at No.8 but with a brutal season ahead, Gray should secure a good slice of playing time.

The Challenge

A team that always generates plenty of hype in the pre-season, the Waratahs are notorious for not making the most of the talent in their squad.

Cheika made excellent progress in his first year in charge, the coach taking a hard line on discipline and form to get the best out of his players. He changed the club’s game plan and culture in under 12 months, and has now set his sights on a top-two finish.

The foundations have been laid; the Waratahs now must prove they can be consistent week-in, week-out performers.News_Rich_Media: NSW Waratahs' South African recruit Jacques Potgieter is hoping to make an early impression at his new club with his physical presence.

The Coach

Famous for his pre-match and half-time blasts, Cheika brought a ruthlessness to Moore Park not seen at the Waratahs since the onset of Super Rugby.

From running stairs with the players in the pre-season to making the tough calls on senior players at the selection table, Cheika stamped his mark on the franchise and now looks set to reap the benefits of his hard work.

Rumours of squabbles at boardroom level remain, but it seems Cheika has finally made the Waratahs a cohesive, disciplined and harmonious group where it counts – on the paddock.News_Image_File: Michael Cheika wants a top-two finish.

Best XV

15. Israel Folau, 14. Cam Crawford, 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12. Kurtley Beale, 11. Peter Betham, 10. Bernard Foley 9. Nick Phipps, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Michael Hooper, 6. Dave Dennis (c), 5. Kane Douglas, 4. Jacques Potgieter, 3. Sekope Kepu, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Benn Robinson.

Stats say

The Waratahs were one of the best attacking sides in the competition last season averaging the most run metres (775), linebreaks (5.9) and second most offloads (11.6), tackle busts (26.9) and tries per game (2.8).

The Waratahs had a strong home record winning six of their eight matches but struggled on the road winning just two of their away matches. They were also winless in New Zealand for the third successive year.

The upset losses in crucial games against the Cheetahs and Rebels cost them dearly and they’ll need more consistency in 2014 to be genuine contenders.

K afe says

The Waratahs have a very clear idea of how they want to play the game after Michael Cheika overhauled their structure last season.

They did away with the kicking and made every attempt to play a ball-in-hand game. They really started to see the benefits of that towards the end of the season although on some occasions it was to their detriment.

So I think what they’ll probably do this year is understand more about how they can play the game and also use their bench to better their strategy.

They’ve got a really clear understanding of what they’re trying to achieve, and a plan and a philosophy that’ll be exciting to watch. I’m really looking forward to their season.