Waratahs to play historic Brookvale Oval match against Sonny Bill Williams’ Blues
THE Waratahs are likely to play a Super Rugby game at Brookvale Oval in May after being forced to move their game against the Blues from Allianz Stadium due to the A-League grand final.
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THE Waratahs are likely to play a Super Rugby game at Brookvale Oval in May after being forced to move their game against the Blues from Allianz Stadium due to the A-League Grand Final.
With Sydney FC charging toward hosting duties for the A-League decider on May 5, the Tahs had to find a new venue for their game against Sonny-Bill Williams’ Blues, from Auckland.
NSW Rugby considered moving the game to ANZ Stadium, North Sydney Oval and Leichhardt Oval.
But it is understood NSW Rugby powerbrokers have settled on Brookvale Oval as the preferred venue, the home of the Manly Sea-Eagles.
Waratahs boss Andrew Hore said on Wednesday night “it’s not a done deal” but expected resolution in the next couple of days.
“We have spoken to a couple of venues and we are still working on the commercials,” Hore said.
“There are still discussions to be had. Is it an option? Yes, it is. Is it the only option? No it’s not, until the commercials are complete.”
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The Waratahs have played successful pre-season trials at Brookvale Oval for the last two years, and enjoy a strong supporter base on the northern beaches.
It is understood over half of the Waratahs’ season members are located on the northern beaches, where passionate support for Manly and Warringah rugby clubs have helped drive the Shute Shield’s revival in recent years.
Bumper crowds at North Sydney Oval for the past two Shute Shield Grand Finals have seen a strong push for the Waratahs to take Super Rugby games to suburban venues.
A long-term contract with Allianz Stadium had made that difficult but the booking clash on the A-League Grand Final day — which came about due to the Super Rugby draw being late due to uncertainty around the Force last year — has opened up a window for the Waratahs.
Brookvale Oval has a capacity of 23,000, has existing corporate facilities and is equipped for broadcaster’s needs the game as well.
The success of the game could be telling for NSW Rugby officials in determining where they move their home games for the next two seasons, when Allianz Stadium is being rebuilt.
The Tahs are looking at bigger venues like Parramatta Stadium, the SCG, ANZ Stadium and regional venues, but a handful of suburban venues like Brookvale Oval and North Sydney Oval are also in the mix.
Meanwhile, new Waratahs lock Tom Staniforth said the NSW forwards were aware they have big responsibility to step up against the Sharks in Durban on Sunday.
The Tahs claimed victory over the Stormers at home in their opening game but the South Africans troubled them in the scrums, and with Rob Simmons missing on their tour, NSW will be targeted again in the forwards.
“All the South African sides have a massive set-piece focus and it is our job as a forward pack to mitigate those strengths and to try and play our strengths,” Staniforth said.
The former Brumby said there was no panic in the NSW forwards, however.
“Obviously it was the first Super Rugby game of the season so there were always going to be areas to improve on, and the boys had a bit of a chew on it and we’re hopefully going to improve not only in that aspect but all aspects of forward play,” he said.