Coach Michael Cheika says Waratahs still have sights set on overtaking Brumbies and securing top-two finish

MICHAEL Cheika says that the Waratahs will not waver from their ambition to finish in the top two of the Super Rugby competition.

Waratahs flyhalf Bernard Foley takes on the Blues defence at Eden Park.

MICHAEL Cheika says that the Waratahs will not waver from their ambition to finish in the top two of the Super Rugby competition despite suffering their fourth loss in seven games.

NSW have dropped out of the top four and have lost four out of five away games, with an error-laden performance at Eden Park last Friday resulting in a 21-13 defeat to the Blues.

With the Brumbies’ outstanding victory over defending champions the Chiefs in last Friday’s grand final rematch, the Canberra side is now six points clear of NSW.

News_Image_File: Waratahs outside centre Adam Ashley-Cooper is chopped down by Francis Saili of the Blues at Eden Park.

But Tahs coach Cheika believes his team can finish strong and overtake the Brumbies, which is required for a top-two finish and guaranteed home semi-final.

“That’s got to be our goal,” Cheika said.

“The Brumbies now are a bit clear of us, but we’ve still got to play them, which is a plus for us, and they’ve still got to go to South Africa.

“And without getting too much into predictions, the Sharks have got six games on the road now.

“So they’re only one win and two bonus points away from us.

“There is still everything to play for around that.

“There is no point in changing your goals.”

News_Rich_Media: Catch all the highlights from Eden Park where the Blues host the Waratahs.

With a crucial home game to play against the Hurricanes at Allianz Stadium next Saturday, Cheika said his side had everything to play for.

“It’s going to be a tight competition all the way to the end, because everyone is beating everyone else,” the Tahs coach said.

“We’re right in the mix with everything.”

Cheika said giant lock Will Skelton had shown improvement on a shoulder injury that forced him off in Auckland.