Waugh bracing for Reds

[jono]

12/05/2008 7:42:22 PM
Steve Orme
Sportal


The Waratahs arrived home from their ill-fated two-match tour of South Africa on Monday with three competition points, no excuses and no luggage.

After falling just short to the Bulls in atrocious conditions the Waratahs were once again confronted with heavy rain in Cape Town and did well to escape with a 13-13 draw against the in-form Stormers.

But while the players' bags are enjoying an extended vacation in an exotic location, skipper Phil Waugh knows his side's upcoming mission to Brisbane to take on the Reds on Saturday night will be anything but a holiday.

"It's a big game, it's their last game of the season, we've got an enormous amount to play for so it all shapes up for a big clash," Waugh said.

Now in third place, the Waratahs must rely on the Blues to defeat the second placed Hurricanes on Friday night in order to revive their own chances of hosting a semi-final.

But before they can entertain thoughts of a home semi, they must first dispose of their arch enemy to ensure they extend their season - a fact not lost on the veteran skipper.

"We're just looking at winning the game," Waugh said.

"Obviously we put ourselves in a good position for a home final a couple of weeks ago and we've probably slipped a bit not getting a win in Africa but that doesn't change the progress from here."

Coach Ewen McKenzie conceded it was difficult to chart his side's progress whilst on tour due to the atrocious conditions that greeted them in both matches.

But the pragmatic coach is confident his side remains on track.

"Our second half against the Stormers I thought we outplayed them tactically and we didn't get across the line but we did a lot right," McKenzie said.

"We dominated the scrum, we dominated the lineout, we dominated field position, dominated possession and you can't do much more than that."

"I don't think we've lost our way by any stretch, there's still a good feeling in the group about our prospects."

The Reds will be without fullback Chris Latham for the clash with a torn pectoral muscle adding to their burgeoning casualty list which includes Wallabies Hugh McMeniman (ankle), Greg Holmes (knee) and Sam Cordingley (calf).

But a sceptical McKenzie played down the Reds' injuries woes.

"They'll talk up their injury situation but who hasn't got injured players?," he posed

"They'll talk that up but it'll be a fierce game there's no question."

[Flamethrower]

"Our second half against the Stormers I thought we outplayed them tactically and we didn't get across the line but we did a lot right," McKenzie said.

"We dominated the scrum, we dominated the lineout, we dominated field position, dominated possession and you can't do much more than that."

Well, scoring would have probably helped Ewen. That's how you win games and stay coaching

[chook]

Well said, Sparky!! URL pack your bags buddy, there's the door.