Waratahs vow to take a stand against Reds in Super Rugby intra-conference battle
THE result of the Waratahs-Reds clash on Saturday night may be unknown but if the coaches have anything to do with it, there will be one thing the fans can take for granted.
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THE result of the Waratahs-Reds clash on Saturday night may be unknown but if the coaches have anything to do with it, there will be one certainty.
It will be a stand-off. Literally.
Waratahs forward Michael Wells revealed strong “body language” was a big priority for NSW in their showdown with archrivals Queensland at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
The unusual focus comes after the Tahs lost a lung-busting game against the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend, where the hectic pace had players looking knackered after 30 minutes.
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Saturday night, @Reds_Rugby in Brissy. No easy feat says Michael Wells, who’s gearing up for Thorn’s men in a tough derby north of the border.
— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) May 30, 2018
Last time we met: https://t.co/j43hVtou9B#ForTheLoveOfRugby pic.twitter.com/rXSMTi5EmX
Wells said the taskmasters of the Waratahs — captain Michael Hooper and forwards coach Simon Cron — had called out players in the post-match review for showing signs of weariness.
“In reviews it is a pretty sobering moment when blokes see Cronny pull up clips and they’re on the haunches and sucking in the deep ones. It is something we are going to work on, the body language,” Wells said.
“It’s not an excuse to cut corners or go a bit easy just because you’re tired. If your life is on the line, which is how we should be playing, we have to make the effort. We have rectified that. A few blokes have been put on notice and we will be better this week.”
But if the Waratahs will be looking to display mental strength to the Reds by standing up straight when buggered, they’ll soon find they’re not alone.
Queensland coach Brad Thorn is also a massive exponent of strong body language, and during his storied rugby and league careers, Thorn often spoke about the importance of standing up straight even when exhausted, to mentally dominate a rival.
To be a hard-edged competitor is the main characteristic he is driving into the young Reds players this year.
So if the Waratahs and Reds coaches get their way, their players will look as fresh as daisies until the 80th minute.
And only then, after the hooter goes, collapse.
“It will be a tough game and it’s going to be won in the head, particularly. As well as physically,” Wells said.
“It is a mental battle in yourself, to get up. They’re a very physical team. They have some strong ballrunners and they love the battle and they love the grind. Brad Thorn has obviously installed that in them this year. It is going to be won in the trenches, in the forwards.”
Wells, who has been in career-best form as a hard-tackling no. 8, said he was pleased to be able to help take the workload off Hooper, along with Will Miller.
The Waratahs stepped up a gear in the last month with credible efforts against Kiwi rivals, but only banked 7 points for the month. With the Rebels playing in New Zealand against the Blues, they have the chance to extend their Aussie conference lead with a win over the Reds, but Queensland too have been in good form in recent weeks, so the winning won’t be easy.
“We are in a good position leading the conference at the moment and we have conference games to go. So we hold the fate of our season in our own hands and that’s what we want. We want to go four from four,” Wells said.
What an achievement for our very own @bernardfoley, who ran out for his 100th match for his home State of NSW on Saturday night. First appearing for the Tahs 2011, the vice-captain reflects on his journey to date in the sky blue.
— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) May 28, 2018
Congratulations on your massive milestone Nard! pic.twitter.com/0T1fB2fM9f
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Originally published as Waratahs vow to take a stand against Reds in Super Rugby intra-conference battle
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