Why Johannesburg’s thin air could prompt Waratahs’ selection rethink
IT’S manna from heaven for towering lineout jumpers but for hookers, Johannesburg’s Ellis Park is a place of torment and it could force the Waratahs into a selection rethink.
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WHEN players get their timing right, the thin air at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park can make mere mortals look like supermen.
At more than 1,700 metres above sea level, the spiritual home of South African rugby has always enabled players to soar to new heights.
It’s manna from heaven for towering lineout jumpers but for hookers, it’s a place of torment and frustration because they have to readjust their throws to accommodate the altitude.
For the Waratahs, it could also prove the difference between winning and losing their Super Rugby semi-final with the Lions on Saturday.
Not only are the South Africans used to the unusual conditions but they boast one of the best lineouts in the competition while the Waratahs are struggling in the set pieces.
They used two different hookers but still lost four lineouts on their own throw against the Highlanders last week. They still managed to win the game but forwards coach Simon Cron knows they have to do better if they want to beat the Lions.
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“We’ve got to make sure our hookers get their roles right, get their triggers right,” Cron said.
“We’ve got to get the process right so we’ve got to make sure our hookers push the reset button.”
For all the Waratahs’ razzle dazzle in attack, it’s the lineout that is worrying the team most ahead of this match, with Cron admitting it could force a change to the line-up.
Damien Fitzpatrick has started in every game this season with Tolu Latu coming off the bench but Latu has made a big impression each time he has come on even though some of his throws were crooked.
“His first two throws were the same as Fitzy’s last two, they were horrid darts,” Cron said. “But he’s also done some really good stuff.
“I’d say that selection debate will be as big as it has been for the last three weeks.”
The Waratahs are also waiting to learn whether forwards Michael Wells and Rob Simmons will be allowed to play before finalising the line-up. Both suffered head knocks against the Highlanders and need to be cleared before resuming.
The Waratahs skipper Michael Hooper did not fly to South Africa with the rest of the squad as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.