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Phil Waugh wants Drew Mitchell and James O'Connor to play for Waratahs
By Jon Geddes
February 24, 2009 New South Wales Waratahs captain Phil Waugh has urged Australian rugby's hottest property Drew Mitchell to leave the Western Force and link up with the Waratahs next year.
The dynamic Australia outside back is off-contract with the embattled Western Force at the end of the season and there is strong speculation he will follow teammate Matt Giteau and quit the Perth-based Super 14 outfit.
As he prepares for his 100th Super game with the Waratahs against the Highlanders at the SFS, Waugh has strongly encouraged Mitchell to make the move to Sydney.
"We want him here, that's no secret," Waugh said.
"He is playing some good football.
"I think it is a good opportunity for him to come here and enjoy what is really a developing backline."
Waugh said if the players could stick together it would become one of the most dangerous backlines in the Super 14.
"From his point of view I think this is a pretty attractive place to come," he said.
"I think he would be terrific to be part of this squad.
"We have a great backline now, but he would add another attacking weapon."
Waugh said the 24-year-old Mitchell would enjoy Sydney, playing at the Sydney Football Stadium and the company of the other players.
It is easy to understand Waugh's keenness to snare Mitchell, who can play wing or full-back, has 29 Wallabies caps and 17 Test tries.
Waugh said the Force's outstanding teenage centre James O'Connor would also fit in well at the Waratahs.
"He would enjoy it as well, Sydney is a good place, a good place for those young fellas," he said.
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey described Mitchell and O'Connor as both talented young players.
"And if they were off contract that is something that we would consider," Hickey said.
"I would think the other three teams would all be keen to talk to them as well."
And Brumbies CEO Andrew Fagan confirmed his organisation would speak to Mitchell over the coming months:
"With a bit of luck he will be interested in coming across to us."
Fagan revealed Mitchell's management approached him a couple of months ago to get an idea of where their squad sat for next season.
Meanwhile Waugh said the Waratahs were under no illusions as to their current status.
"We have been training reasonably well but certainly in the games I don't think we have nearly hit our straps," he admitted.
"I think the team has huge room for improvement and we just have to make sure we don't wait another four or five weeks to get there."
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to ..........." 
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Originally Posted by blueandblack
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