Waratahs rookies have Wallabies sweating after impressive trial win over Brumbies

DARYL Gibson said NSW’s Wallaby contingent were starting to get itchy feet about returning to action after a number of fringe Waratahs impressed in their trial win.

Coach Daryl Gibson says the Waratahs’ Wallabies are feeling the heat from the club’s rookies.

DARYL Gibson said NSW’s Wallaby contingent were starting to get itchy feet about returning to action after a number of fringe Waratahs players impressed in a 53-17 thumping of the Brumbies in Mudgee.

Minus seven Test stars, the Waratahs ran in nine tries to three in the trial; a performance made all the more notable given the Brumbies fielded an all-but full-strength team.

The ACT side suffered injury as well as insult, with halfback Tomas Cubelli picking up a nasty knee injury. The Argentinian will see a specialist but the injury looked serious, and a lengthy absence will be seriously bad news for coach Stephen Larkham given the lack of experienced playmakers in Canberra.

Gibson was given headaches of the pleasant kind, with numerous contenders sticking their hand up for Super Rugby selection and other more regular players stepping up as leaders.

Coach Daryl Gibson says the Waratahs’ Wallabies are feeling the heat from the club’s rookies.

Flow was typically difficult in a trial but the Tahs used the ball adventurously, and attacked particularly well off turnover ball.

“The early signs are positive,” Gibson said.

“There is certainly a new wave of energy flowing through the team at the moment, with youthful enthusiasm. That underlined some of our play and our passing and team interplay, and that’s a signal to the style we want to play.

“The real positive thing to come out of the trial for me is building that squad depth, and we have some real competition now. We are starting to build nicely in pivotal positions and that’s a good thing going into our season.

“The first seven games will be a challenge for us and we will probably call on that squad.”

While Israel Folau and Taqele Naiyaravoro will return in the Tens this weekend, five players - Sekope Kepu, Dean Mumm, Michael Hooper, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley - won’t be back until the Waratahs last trial next week against the Highlanders at Brookvale Oval.

With emerging players pressing their claims, Gibson said his Wallabies were getting anxious to play and that was a good thing.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Gibson said.

“We gave our Wallabies an extra week, they didn’t come back until the 16th (of January). We are going to reap the benefits of that. They’re getting really itchy and get back and be involved with the team. It is a good mental space for them to be in. It will certainly foster that competition and that’s a good headspace, it will bring out the best in all of us.”

Gibson said the Waratahs had picked up no injuries, and added two players - Bryce Hegarty and Brad Wilkin - had come through their return game well.

Originally published as Waratahs rookies have Wallabies sweating after impressive trial win over Brumbies