Dave McDuling’s inside knowledge to help the Waratahs beat the Sharks in crucial Durban clash
THEY will be without the destructive power of Will Skelton but the Waratahs have turned to the “Mayor of Durban” for inside knowledge on how to beat the Sharks.
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THEY will be without the destructive power of Will Skelton but the Waratahs have been able to turn to the “Mayor of Durban” as a replacement with insider’s secrets about how to beat the Sharks on Sunday morning.
Journeyman Dave McDuling was named to start his second game for the Waratahs after stepping into the second rower for the injured Skelton (hamstring) against the Lions last week.
A fitness test ruled Skelton out on Thursday, meaning McDuling was given a start against his former club at Kings Park.
McDuling, a former Australian under 20s and Reds lock, played for the Sharks in the Currie Cup and in Super Rugby in 2015 and 2016. The well-travelled 27-year-old left Africa and used a strong season for Canterbury in New Zealand’s Mitre Ten Cup last year to land one of the last spots in the Waratahs squad for the 2017 season.
“The mayor of Durban has been great this week,” NSW skipper Michael Hooper said.
“He has shown us around some nice restaurants and some good things to do. But more importantly just what to expect from the Sharks and about the Sharks’ attitude and things.
“I have been hugely impressed from day one with Dave, and with the experience that he’s brought into the side. He has been putting in the hard work and is a big part of this team.”
McDuling said: “Everyone enjoys playing against people they know, which is the same in the Australian derbies — you want to get one up over your mates.”
Nick Phipps (ankle) passed his fitness test and returned straight to the No.9 jersey, adding valuable experience.
RUGBY CENTRAL PODCAST: Iain Payten talks with special guest Nick McArdle from FoxSports about Australia’s future in Super Rugby and all the weekend’s action.
Former Australian sevens star Cam Clark was added to the bench for a possible Super Rugby debut. He replaced Taqele Naiyaravoro.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said the Waratahs were determined to rectify a disappointing performance in their 55-36 loss to the Lions last week.
The focus for us this week has been making we sure we put in a performance that is more indicative of our identity and team spirit,” Gibson said.
“We were disappointed coming out the Lions game around our effort. It’s been a tough week and we are determined to put in a good performance on Saturday.
“The Sharks are a very competitive team. Obviously with their first game at home they will want to put in a good performance.”
NSW WARATAHS: Andrew Kellaway, Reece Robinson, Israel Folau, Irae Simone, Rob Horne, Bryce Hegarty, Nick Phipps, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (capt), Jack Dempsey, David McDuling, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson. RES: Hugh Roach, Paddy Ryan, David Lolohea, Senio Toleafoa, Maclean Jones, Matt Lucas, David Horwitz, Cameron Clark.
Originally published as Dave McDuling’s inside knowledge to help the Waratahs beat the Sharks in crucial Durban clash
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