Waratahs players speak ahead of Crusaders clash

The Waratahs face a daunting prospect this weekend as they take on the mighty Crusaders in Super Rugby Trans Tasman. 

The Waratahs are in something of a rebuilding phase after a terrible Super Rugby AU campaign which saw ex-head coach Rob Penney stand down in the middle of the competition.  

In Trans Tasman, the Tahs made a losing, but not altogether unencouraging, start to the tournament; managing to put 48 points past the Hurricanes with some great attack. In defence, however, they were found wanting; leaking a total of 64. In Round 2, they were brushed aside by a stout Blues outfit. Now, perhaps their toughest test of the tournament is afoot – Scott Robertson’s Crusaders in Wollongong. 

The Crusaders last week administered a merciless beating on Super Rugby AU champs, the Reds, and there are many concerned murmurs now filling the air about what the New Zealanders will do with the Tahs.  

The players, however, appear to be looking at the fixture positively, as a challenge. 

“I know they’re a world-class team and the scrutiny we’re under and the previous results we’ve had, but we’re a professional team,” Waratahs back-rower Lachie Swinton said. “We’ve got to strive to win and that’s what we’re doing come Saturday. 

“They are always the game on the calendar you look at. I’ll personally be doing that and I’m really excited. 

“Obviously the position we’re in, most people would have the outside opinion that we’re not tight as a group and start pointing fingers, but that’s completely not the case here,” he said. “One thing I’m really proud of the lads this year is ... despite our results – which we’re not happy about, obviously –is we’ve held together really well as a team and really bonded over those experiences. 

“They punish you if you make a mistake and they will make you pay for it. We’ll just try and really tighten up our loose ball areas.” 

Tahs hooker Dave Porecki added the following regarding the Reds vs Crusaders match: 

“That first half was some of the best footy you’ll ever see,” Porecki said. “To test yourself against arguably one of the best teams in the world is an exciting opportunity for us to fire some shots.”