Waratahs expect brutal clash against conference rival the Brumbies
AFTER dusting their traditional rivals, the Waratahs now turn their attention to a Brumbies side brimming with confidence and expectation after a strong win over the Hurricanes.
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THE Waratahs expect a mix of old and new Brumbies styles when they take on their conference rivals in an early season blockbuster on Friday night in Canberra.
The Brumbies were white-hot in dispatching the Hurricanes on Friday in their season opener and while a lot less clinical, the Waratahs got the job done with a bonus point win as well against Queensland.
NSW eyes turned quickly to the tough Hume Highway road trip, and while captain Michael Hooper forecast a typically bruising encounter, Tahs coach Daryl Gibson said the evolution of Stephen Larkham’s Brumbies was clear to see in their Canes’ thumping.
“They’re a lot more adventurous with the ball,” Gibson said.
“They’re running from areas they probably wouldn’t have run in the last 2-3 years. They’re definitely being far more positive.
“They were very impressive. To me they looked like they’ve added a few things over the off-season but they’re still very, very strong in the forwards. And definitely their lineout platform is very good.”
Hooper said it was a positive to have their game in the nation’s capital while the weather was still warm, and he anticipates the feeling between the two sides will have the usual heat too.
“It is going to be a good hit out. I know from last year they were extremely physical and brutal matches. A lot of passion there,” Hooper said.
“The Brums are always going to be a strong team. There is always going to be passion in that game, and there is big rivalries both individually and just stemming from history in years gone by. It’ll be a fun game.
“They are a very good team. There is no question about it. We have six days to work out what we want to do, get our bodies right.”
Waratahs prop Benn Robinson is the only player in doubt for NSW, after suffering a broken nose and concussion.
Originally published as Waratahs expect brutal clash against conference rival the Brumbies