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Bret Harris | May 01, 2009
Article from: The Australian
WALLABIES hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is poised to reject lucrative offers from Europe and Western Force to recommit to NSW Waratahs.
Polota-Nau is likely to inform the Waratahs of his decision before their must-win game against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein early tomorrow (AEST).
One of the most athletic hookers in world rugby, the retention of Polota-Nau would be a major fillip for the Waratahs' as they bid to reach the Super 14 play-offs.
"Tatafu is only 23 years old and he has a tremendous future," Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said. "He is a key player in our plans."
While Polota-Nau and the Waratahs forwards will have to confront the Cheetahs up front, all eyes will be on the new-look NSW backline.
Hickey has assembled a backline with attack in mind as NSW chase a four-try bonus point win to stay in the race for the playoffs. Five-eighth Kurtley Beale has been recalled to the starting line-up at inside centre to provide a second ball-player, while winger Lachlan Turner has shifted to fullback where he can use his line-breaking ability.
And Peter Playford, a try-scoring machine at club level, has been chosen to add the finishing touches to the attack.
The Waratahs have struggled to score tries this year, but Playford certainly knows his way to the line, having set a Sydney club record of 29 tries for a season with Sydney University in 2005.
"Hopefully, I can get across the paint," Playford said. "We have been working hard on our attack and hopefully I can get on the end of a few."
Meanwhile, Hickey has dismissed a claim by Cheetahs inside centre Meyer Bosman that Beale will struggle at number 12.
"That's OK," Hickey said. "If we know they are coming through 12, then we know where they are coming. That's good
for us."
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015651,00.html