Waratahs five-eighth Mack Mason back in vogue against Highlanders

Emerging five-eighth Mack Mason has been given to the green light to turn it on against the Highlanders as the Waratahs fight to keep their slim chances of making the playoffs alive.

Waratahs’ coach Daryl Gibson is backing emerging five-eighth Mack Mason to bounce back from his horror last start in Super Rugby and show the doubters exactly what he can do.

With Wallaby No. 10 Bernard Foley unavailable because of Australia’s rest policy, Mason gets another chance at calling the shots in Friday night’s final round clash against the Highlanders in Invercargill.

Although the Waratahs have a slim mathematical chance of making the playoffs, with five Test players sitting out the match, it’s also a golden opportunity for their replacements to stake their claim for time on the paddock.

No-one wants that opportunity more than Mason, who had a shocker in his last run-on start against the Sunwolves in March and was dragged midway through the second half.

Seemingly unfazed by his one rough night, the 23-year-old has been in great touch with Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield ever since so Gibson reckons he’ll make amends this time.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for all our players that are coming into the team, they’ve been waiting patiently,” Gibson said.

“I’ve been very consistent by putting out pretty much the same team every week and these guys are really energised and enthusiastic about going and fighting and representing the team.

“Mack’s one of those guys, so we need to give him that opportunity so he can find out exactly what the level is and experience that and that’s what I’m really pleased to be able to offer these guys that opportunity.

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Mack Mason put in a disappointing performance against the Sunwolves in March.

“And I fully expect him to front up and be on for the game.”

Thrown into the deep end with nothing to lose and everything to gain, Gibson has given his new look line-up a licence to thrill, telling them just to back their instincts and go for it in the off chance they can pull a rabbit out of the hat.

To sneak into the finals, not only do the Waratahs have the beat Highlanders, but they also need a bonus point. And, even if they manage that, they will also need the Chiefs to defeat the Rebels in Melbourne without getting a bonus point.

But Gibson has told his players just to forget about all the different permutation and just go out there and play.

“Obviously those conditions will be a factor, we’ve been watching the forecast and we know it’s likely to be wet,” Gibson said.

“So I guess with our approach there it’s making sure that we throw everything at them.

“Both teams need the victory so both teams will go out there and play to the conditions but try and play positively and chase those points.”

Mack Mason and the Waratahs must beat the Highlanders in New Zealand and get a bonus point in the process.

Originally published as Waratahs five-eighth Mack Mason back in vogue against Highlanders