Signs are good for Australian rugby in World Cup year, says former Wallaby Brendan Cannon

The Waratahs won’t be happy with the way they’ve started the Super Rugby season but there’s no reason for alarm. If anything, their sluggish start might work in their favour, writes BRENDAN CANNON.

TOKYO, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 23: Adam Ashley-Cooper (C) of Waratahs celebrates a try with his team mates during the Super Rugby match between Sunwolves and Waratahs at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground on February 23, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

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The Waratahs won’t be happy with the way they’ve started the Super Rugby season but there’s no reason for alarm.

If anything, I think their sluggish start might end up work in their favour because it’s a long year and their best is yet to come.

The Waratahs always get scrutinised more than the other Australian teams because when the Tahs are going well, it usually means Australian rugby is in a good place, and that's what everyone wants in a World Cup year.

Israel Folau and the Waratahs always draw plenty of attention. Picture: Getty

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So while it was really disappointing and frustrating that they lost their opening game at Brookvale Oval because that night was just a fantastic occasion for park footy, there’s no need for panic.

It’s that old sporting saying that the Melbourne Cup isn't won in February and it’s the same with rugby, so there’s nothing for the alarmists to worry about.

Don’t forget the Crusaders have won the title plenty of times after slow starts and the Waratahs are one from two.

There’s still plenty of time for the Tahs to address their problems and build into the season without worrying about having to shoot the lights out from day one.

They’ve got an amazing backline and really good depth so it’s probably encouraging that they’ve started a bit slow because it means they’ve got plenty left in the tank and they’re only going to get better from here.

Electrifying winger Curtis Rona scores a try against the Hurricanes in round one. Picture: AAP

There’s just so much talent and ability and depth in that playing group, that they can turn it around pretty quickly.

They’ve definitely started slower than the other Australian Super Rugby sides but you also have to bear in mind that they have a lot of Wallabies who started pre-season late so they’ve probably got more room for growth than the others.

Everyone’s real focus this season is obviously on the winning the World Cup and the thing that’s really exciting is the way the other Australian franchises have stepped up.

It’s still early days but the Reds, Brumbies and the Rebels have all shown some real promise and they’re definitely in a better place than they were last year with greater depth in their squads.

Quade Cooper (R) has been a revelation for the Rebels. Picture: Getty

I’ve been really impressed by the Rebels and there’s just a nice feel about them.

They have a red-hot backline and with Will Genia and Quade Cooper calling the shots, we know what they can do because they’ve done it before, so it’s not out of the park for any rugby follower to believe that they can do it again.

Cooper’s only going to get better as he settles back into the rhythm of Super Rugby but what I really like is the way the Rebels are taking on the expectations.

I wouldn’t call it arrogance but they’re chesting up to the challenge and that’s a good sign because it means there’s a real understated confidence in that playing group.

The key for them is how their forwards perform because they need to maintain enough quality set-piece because they have potentially the best Australian backline in Super Rugby.