Foley focused on filling big gaps in Waratahs pack

[laura]

Foley focused on filling big gaps in Waratahs pack
GREG GROWDEN
22/08/2008 12:28:40 AM

AS IF getting the much-maligned Wallabies scrum back on track was enough of a task for the new NSW forwards coach Michael Foley, he now has the onerous chore of renovating a Waratahs pack that next season will be without its three main structural supports.

At the end of the Wallabies' spring tour, Foley will join the Waratahs to begin a three-year stint as Chris Hickey's assistant.

The former Test hooker leaves the Wallabies coaching team after three seasons, during which he has been instrumental in achieving major gains in Australian forward play - to the extent that a pack which was often laughed at is now accepted as being of international standard.

But that challenge could be in the mini-league compared to getting the Waratahs pack sorted out next year, especially as they will be without three vital players - their lineout leader Dan Vickerman, and back-rowers Rocky Elsom and David Lyons.

This is the core of the pack, and there doesn't appear to be too many obvious choices to take over from this trio.

And as Foley readily knows, if you lack powerful names up front, a Super 14 campaign can turn into a dreadful experience.

Such a scenario led to suggestions yesterday that Foley could be easily convinced by Waratahs officials into approaching several Queensland Test forwards to see whether they might be interested in moving south.

more here... http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/articl...8/08/21/121926 ...
© SMH

[force addict]

there are no gaps, Donut fills them out no problem

[travelling_gerry]

You would think that with all the Sydney clubs as well as "6 nrl clubs & 10 under 20's nrl clubs" they would have heaps of talent.

[waratahjesus]

unfortunately, were filling gaps in queensland cos you took there players!

it would be nice to sign a wallaby like nathan sharpe........oh wait, thats right!

[JediKnight]

Biggest gap in the Waratahs pack is their front row!!!

[waratahjesus]

how can anyone who supports the western force hassle any other team in australias or the super 14 for that matter front row?
at least we aint backpeddling most matches!

[JediKnight]

Enjoy the Waratahs being ahead of the Force......while it lasts. Who would have ever thought that the British could finish ahead of the Aussies in an Olympic medal table..........beware the shifting sands.....!!!!

[Moses]

Biggest gap in the Waratahs pack is their front row!!!

You realise that your own front row is made up of NSW rejects right?

[jargan83]

Who would have ever thought that the British could finish ahead of the Aussies in an Olympic medal table..........beware the shifting sands.....!!!!

Is that Jedi admitting Scotland is apart of England?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Moses]

I thought Scotland was a State of England, kind of like NSW is to Australia, but without the kickar5e rugby team

[jargan83]

like Wales, another state of England
Posted via Mobile Device