NSW must force the issue in run to the line

[travelling_gerry]

Greg Growden Chief Rugby Correspondent | April 27, 2009


QUEENSLAND gave the Waratahs a piggyback at the weekend, but the Western Force gave them a scare.

The Reds' win over the Blues helped the Waratahs, because Auckland wasted the opportunity to establish themselves in the four by capitulating on a bizarre night at North Harbour. After just four minutes of play, the match was delayed for 49 minutes after several banks of lights went off because of a power shortage.

However, the most critical result for the Waratahs was the Force's 55-14 victory over the Lions in Perth on Friday night when they scored eight tries for their biggest win and highest score.

While that revived the Force's finals hopes, it also greatly improved their points for-and-against differential. With the Force and Waratahs level on 28 points, the Force have a differential of +52, compared with the Tahs' +12.

The differential has regularly been used to decide the last semi-final spot - including last year when the Hurricanes took fourth spot ahead of the Stormers after both finished on 41 points.

This adds to the pressure on each team to continue winning, and winning well, especially as the top four sides - Hurricanes, Bulls, Chiefs and Sharks - all have healthy differentials.

While Waratahs coach Chris Hickey believes two wins out of three, plus two bonus points, should be enough for them to make the final four, that is far too conservative. It still seems three wins are imperative, and that these involve plenty of tries, which have been in short supply in recent Waratahs games.

Hickey said the team had already made plans for home semi-finals and away finals appearances.

"We've prepared for four scenarios, which include travelling to New Zealand, or going to Pretoria or Durban," Hickey said. "You have to put all those plans in place, and have to be ready for all these scenarios."


http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...684338163.html

[Flamethrower]

Have they planed where they are going for the end of season trip???

That'll be in three weeks.

[blueandblack]

Have they planed where they are going for the end of season trip???

That'll be in three weeks.

gold coast?

[The Man]

I think they will lift their act with a quality and accurate manner , unlike this clowns writing!

[Burgs]

"Boring Rugby" is ready to come back and bite them on the arse.