NSW Waratahs can’t identify cause of poor results, Tane Edmed says it will take time

For the Waratahs to turn their fortunes around, they’ve first got to work out what exactly is going wrong and first-season coach Dan McKellar has hinted at a bubbling issue.

WARATAHS playmaker Tane Edmed says the team still hasn’t been able to identify the systematic and cultural issues plaguing the club.

Having been built up as finals contenders at the start of the season by outsiders, after signing a host of Test stars, NSW is on the verge of being eliminated from the playoff race this Saturday when they play Western Force.

Furious first-season coach Dan McKellar indicated he would be making some notable changes after last week’s 48-33 thrashing by the Crusaders, indicating there were attitude problems among some players in the team.

Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar has hinted at attitude issues within the playing group. Picture: Mark Kolbe Photography/Getty Images

Edmed, who has been at the Tahs for five seasons, revealed the issues have yet to be revealed.

“It’s probably something that, as Dan’s obviously alluded to, has been there for my five years here at the club, it’s something really hard to identify, and we’re really trying to work it out,” Edmed said.

“As Dan said to us, it’s going to take time to figure it out and fix the problem. We’ve definitely shown, in parts, definite improvement. That fight and that passion for the jersey has been shown in segments, but we haven’t been able to show it for 80 minutes consistently every week.

“We’re trying to put our finger on that and fix it. It’s going to take some time, but I think we’re trending in the right direction.”

Following defeat to the Crusaders at Allianz Stadium last Friday, in their final home game of the season, McKellar said: “I’ve been here a while now, a number of months now, and I think there are some things that are going to take time to change.

“There are some people that are too comfortable, and that needs to change. Because if you’re too comfortable, just happy to be here and wear the tracksuit, that will change.”

Tane Edmed is optimistic for the Waratahs. Picture: Mark Kolbe Photography/Getty Images

Edmed said the team remains motivated.

“I don’t think it’s from lack of trying from the boys, I really don’t,” Edmed said. “Everyone here has shown, in parts, that fight and what we want to see.

“Dan holds a high standard, and if you’re not meeting it, then there’s going to be consequences. That’s the reality of professional football. You can train as hard as you want, but if on Saturday night, Friday night, you’re not putting in the performances, then that’s the reality of it.”

If NSW lose to the Force, they’re officially out of finals contention. If they win in Perth, they’ll still need other results to go their way in these final two rounds to make the top six.

Edmed said while players are ready to receive stern criticism, it was crucial the message is delivered in the right way to each of them from coaches and teammates.

“It’s about who are doing it, which is what you want to see from the leaders, but then it’s also about everyone doing it,” Edmed said.

“Even the younger boys, if they’re not seeing something that’s right, making a little comment about it.

NSW could face elimination after being touted as title contenders. Picture: Mark Kolbe Photography/Getty Images

“How you do that is important. Everyone’s different with how they take feedback, so you need to work each other out. You need to be close with each other.

“You need to be personal. That’s the luxury that we’ve got. We’ve played a lot together the last five years, especially a few of the younger boys.

“Knowing how each other takes the feedback is important, and then trying to convey it as effectively as possible.”

Meanwhile, the Force have been given a boost with form backrower Carlo Tizzano signing a two-year extension, ensuring he’ll be in contention for the Wallabies at the 2027 home World Cup.

Originally published as NSW Waratahs can’t identify cause of poor results, Tane Edmed says it will take time