Waratahs captain Dave Dennis frustrated at lack of consistency in side after loss to Force

“WE can’t keep doing what we’re doing,” frustrated Waratahs captain Dave Dennis said after his side lost to the Western Force for the second time this year.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 09: Israel Folau of the Waratahs is tackled during the round 13 Super Rugby match between the Force and the Waratahs at nib Stadium on May 9, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

“WE can’t keep doing what we’re doing,” frustrated Waratahs captain Dave Dennis said after his side lost to the Western Force for the second time this year, leaving the defending champions precariously placed in seventh with five games to play.

By this time last year, NSW had already started their run of nine victories that culminated in their 2014 grand final win.

This year, they have failed to put more than three wins in a row together, and it is becoming painfully apparent that the Tahs lack the confidence and cohesion of a premiership-winning outfit.

“We haven’t spoken about having that run or gaining momentum, but we have talked about having that consistency, and we’re still not there,” Dennis said.

“I’m really going to be pushing the boys this week, we’re going to have a pretty honest review [on Monday] and have a look at the areas - we already know where we were off, but just to reaffirm where we need to be better and just keep working towards that perfect performance.

“Because although we’ve had some good results, Brumbies at home, Hurricanes away, I still don’t think we’ve hit our straps.

“If you keep saying ‘Oh next week, or the week after’, before you know it the season is over, and you’re not where you want to be.

“So we’ve got to get going pretty quick.”

Waratahs forward Wycliff Palu is tackled during the match against the Western Force.

The Force beat NSW 18-11 by playing the same style they used to beat the Tahs in round one, outmuscling the forwards and playing the game in opposition territory.

“We spoke after the game around a couple of things around our mental application, that’s what let us down,” Dennis said.

“Our preparation was adequate during the week, we had a clear game plan, but for some reason during the game we made some poor decisions on the field.”

Asked if NSW’s mental lethargy was a result of having won the title last year, Dennis replied: “For me, no. I can’t comment too much on other players.

“But for me personally it’s not, I wasn’t a part of that [grand final] game, so I’m still highly motivated to succeed this year.

“And I think all the other boys are, to be fair. It’s just that the mind’s a funny thing, it can play tricks on you.

“Whatever the distractions may be, we just need everyone on the same page, and making sure we’re all believing in our game and committing to that.

“Because at the moment, not in a bad way, but you get that one or two disconnections from a guy, or someone makes a bad decision, it has a very big effect on our team. That’s just the way we play.”

The Tahs host the Sharks this Saturday night at Allianz Stadium, and will have flanker Michael Hooper available for selection.

Hooper hobbled off the field in Perth with 10 minutes remaining after suffering a knock to the knee, but has been cleared of any problems.

However, backrower Jacques Potgieter remains in doubt for the game after suffering a sternum/shoulder injury.

Potgieter is leaving the Tahs at the end of this season to join the Sharks, and would dearly love to take on his looming teammates, but the status of his injury will not be known until midweek.

Originally published as Waratahs captain Dave Dennis frustrated at lack of consistency in side after loss to Force