Adam Ashley-Cooper says changed character can deliver Waratahs a first Super Rugby title in 2014

ADAM Ashley-Cooper has declared there is a different level of confidence among the Waratahs ahead of the Super Rugby season.

Adam Ashley-Cooper makes a bust for the Waratahs during a recent trial.

BACKLINE star Adam Ashley-Cooper has declared there is a different level of confidence among the Waratahs ahead of the 2014 Super Rugby season compared to previous years.

While Tahs critics claim that early-season optimism will be followed by the inevitable failure that has struck down NSW sides since the tournament’s inception in 1996, Ashley-Cooper believes the team’s changed character can deliver a maiden title.

“It’s different because of the belief off the back of last year and what we went through together,” Ashley-Cooper said.

“I mean, we changed the way we played, and we’re working on changing our identity.

“We’re really focused on finding our new identity, but embracing it and showing it.

“That’s probably the difference you can see.”

News_Image_File: Adam Ashley-Cooper and the Waratahs are ready to make big strides in 2014. Picture: Brett Costello

Coach Michael Cheika is in his second year, having introduced a radically different attacking style in 2013, and this season has the added bonus of creative spark Kurtley Beale in his squad.

The make-up of Cheika’s backline for the first match of the year, this Sunday afternoon against Western Force at Allianz Stadium, holds the most fascination.

Beale has formed a potent combination with five-eighth Bernard Foley when used at inside centre during pre-season trial games, but Force’s rush defence may suit the hard-running Rob Horne in the midfield.

“Rob Horne can do that job, he can pass as well,” Cheika said.

“We have a certain shape, we know when we want to shift the ball, we know when we want to run.

“Both players can pass, they’re different types of runners, but they’re both threats whether it’s Beale, Lance or Horne in that position.

News_Rich_Media: NSW Waratahs' South African recruit Jacques Potgieter is hoping to make an early impression at his new club with his physical presence.

“We’re pretty clear around, when we do change positions, who is doing what and what their role is.

“There’s no doubt (Force) are going to play everyone up in the line, and go at our rucks, and say ‘You guys don’t want to kick, so kick it in behind us’.

“We already know that’s the way they’re going to play, and it’s a smart way to play, so it’ll be up to us to make a decision on how we deal with that.

“The tactical issues are secondary to making sure we maintain that good body height, that physicality, lay a platform that we can attack from.”

Cheika suggested that whoever was named in the midfield would defend wider out.

“The real issue for us about putting a guy like Kurtley or Foley in the centres is to go back with (Israel) Folau for counter-attack,” Cheika said.

News_Image_File: Kurtley Beale could start in the centres for the Waratahs. Picture: Colleen Petch.

“We want the other team to kick to us so we can counter in those situations.

“So we’re trying to work out our counter-attack strategy so it’s got the best option possible. I feel it’s a really potent part of our attacking regime.

“They’re smart enough to go up and back.”

Ashley-Cooper is thrilled by the prospect of a Foley-Beale partnership.

“They’re both great attacking threats with the ball and they create a lot of opportunities,” he said.

“That’s exactly what an outside back or a midfielder wants. Once these guys take it to the defensive line, challenging the line and are putting you through holes, and those guys are more than capable of doing that.

“Again it’s a matter of what combination he wants to run with, a ball-player with two midfield running backs, or two types of ball-players with one midfield runner?

News_Rich_Media: NSW Waratahs fullback Israel Folau admits he feels much more comfortable heading into his second season of Super Rugby.

“Whatever mix it’s going to be it’s going to be for the feel of the opposition we’re playing.

“I think there will be a fair bit of rotation this year, not only each week with players, but in-game as well.

“I think that’s a great threat we have.

“For the crowd’s sake I hope it’s a really entertaining game (against Force), but I know it’s going to be a real fight.”

Another backline dilemma for Cheika is who will be named on the wings, with rookie Alofa Alofa in firm contention after impressive displays in the trials, pressuring Wallaby Peter Betham and the brilliant Cam Crawford.

“With Alofa, I think the key issue for NSW this year is about being consistent, and that’s two games in a row now where he’s delivered good footwork, he’s done the things that he’s in the team (to do), his profile, well,” Cheika said.

News_Image_File: Alofa Alofa has impressed in trial games for the Waratahs.

“Maybe at the start I thought it would have been a longer project, but he’s putting the form on the board that’s making it hard for me to not have him in.”

In the forwards, young giant Will Skelton and marquee South African signing Jacques Potgieter will battle for a starting second-row spot alongside Kane Douglas.