RESURGENT WARATAHS A THREAT

NSW Waratahs re-gathered much lost ground last season with consistent performances, including wins over the Crusaders and Highlanders. Their prospects for 2023 look positive indeed.

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: SIXTH

Following a disastrous 2021 campaign that ended with the team finishing last and winless after 13 games, there was a pleasing return to form last year. The Waratahs finished in sixth place with eight wins and made the quarter-finals.

LUCK OF THE DRAW:

The Waratahs open their season at the upgraded Allianz Stadium with a blockbuster match-up against the ACT Brumbies. Fijian Drua and Rebels are next in Melbourne, before a trip to the Chiefs and then the Hurricanes back in Sydney.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:

Darren Coleman took over as head coach following the disastrous 2021 season and proved an inspired appointment as he guided his young team to a much-improved finish.

The transformation to being highly competitive and knocking over some of the more fancied teams was impressive. Ironically, it was a lack of wins against Australian teams that cost the Waratahs the chance of a top-four finish. They recorded memorable victories over the Crusaders and Highlanders but failed to beat the ACT Brumbies or Queensland Reds.

There is no better time to change that pattern than in the opening round when the Waratahs host ACT Brumbies in what should be a memorable return home to the revamped Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Supporters and the wider rugby public will watch with interest to see if the Waratahs can push on to a semi-final spot in 2023.

Coleman has recruited well with outstanding depth across the squad. The signing of experienced campaigners, including outside back Nemani Nadolo and hooker Tolu Latu, is a huge boost. Latu returns from a stint in France with Stade Francais, while Flying Fijian star Nadolo is back from English club, Leicester Tigers.

The increased depth is most evident in the loose forwards positions and at first-five. Inspirational captain Michael Hooper alongside Charlie Gamble, Will Harris, Langi Gleeson, Ned Hanigan and Lachie Swinton form one of the strongest loose-forward groups in the competition.

The scrap for the number 10 jersey should be keenly contested between two of Australia’s best young playmakers, Ben Donaldson and Tane Edmed. There is a chance Coleman could move Donaldson back to fullback in competition with Will Harrison, who is equally adept at first-five.

There is also plenty of talent among the locks with Angus Bell, Harry Johnson-Holmes and David Porecki all potential Wallaby candidates this year.

Former Bay of Plenty Steamers midfielder Lalakai Foketi made every post a winner in 2022, starring for both the Waratahs and the Wallabies. His experience will be invaluable for the young backline talent around him.

Waratahs General Manager of Rugby, Andrew Blades, says the squad is shaping up nicely for the 2023 campaign, with the addition of some key experienced players to complement the younger core.

“Our squad has benefitted immensely from the Australia A programme, with many of the squad getting high-quality experience against Test-match opposition, helping accelerate their development. We now are in the position where our squad has 15 players with Test experience and a further eight who have been involved in the Australia A programme.

“Our pathways are looking incredibly strong and we are delighted with the continuing number of players graduating into our fulltime squad.”

WHO’S NEW:

Forwards: Tolu Latu (Stade Francais), Taleni Seu (Toyota), Zack von Appen (Sydney University).

Backs: Nemani Nadolo (Leicester), Ben Dowling (Randwick).

WHO’S THROUGH:

Forwards: Ruan Smith (Lions), Tom Horton (Leicester), Geoff Cridge (Bayonne), Jeremy Williams (Western Force), Carlo Tizzano (Ealing).

Backs: Jack Grant (Ealing), Henry Robertson (Western Force), Jamie Roberts (retired), James Ramm (Northampton), Triston Reilly (Wests Tigers), Alex Newsome (Clermont).

Coach: Darren Coleman

Captain: Michael Hooper

Home ground: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Website: www.nsw.rugby

Tickets: www.nsw.rugby/ experience/membership

Contact: Locked Bag 1222, Paddington NSW 2021

Phone +61 2 9323 3300

Email: waratahs.enquiries@nsw.rugby

Team TAB odds: $61.00

FORWARDS:

Angus Bell, Tiaan Taukipulu, Te Tera Faulkner, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Tom Lambert, Archer Holz, David Porecki, Mahe Vailanu, Tolu Latu, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Zane Marolt, Taleni Seu, Zac von Appen, Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Ned Hanigan, Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble.

BACKS:

Jake Gordon, Harrison Goddard, Teddy Wilson, Will Harrison, Tane Edmed, Ben Donaldson, Jack Bowen, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mosese Tuipulotu, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Dylan Pietsch, Nemani Nadolo, Harry Wilson, Ben Dowling, Max Jorgensen.

There is growing confidence in the heart of Victoria that the Melbourne Rebels will continue to improve and knock over the more fancied teams.

LAST YEAR: