'Sydney likes winners, we understand that': Waratahs answer critics ...
‘Sydney likes winners, we understand that’: Waratahs answer critics with shock victory
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman hopes his side’s shock 37-24 victory against the Crusaders in Melbourne will stop the talk about his future and instead focus attention on his players.
The Waratahs were distant outsiders with the bookmakers but upset the odds with a sensational display of rugby against the defending champions. It was a perfectly timed win for Coleman, who has been given four rounds to prove he deserves a contract extension at the Waratahs.
Star prop Angus Bell highlighted the contribution of Coleman alongside his assistants Jason Gilmore and Chris Whitaker in securing the victory over the Crusaders.
“It’s just good that we can get a win for our coaches, for DC (Coleman), Gilly (Gilmore) and Whits (Whitaker), they worked so hard for us and we just feel like we owe it to them,” Bell told Stan Sport.
Coleman was asked post-game about coverage regarding his future in the lead-up to the game and said the focus must switch to his players.
“It’s such a dead point, like it frustrates me that we’re still talking about it,” Coleman said.
Tane Edmed of the Waratahs runs with the ball during Super Round against the Crusaders in Melbourne Credit: Getty
“Those bunch of boys were so good tonight and they didn’t do it for me, they did it because they’ve worked hard and earned it.
“It’s a moot point, the board have been really clear, they’ve been really supportive, they want us to win, they want what’s best for the organisation. I reckon now going forward, we’ve got to just focus on the team.”
Five-eighth Tane Edmed silenced critics after a quiet performance in round one defeat against the Reds with a strong all-round performance, which included 17 points from the tee, a try saving tackle and two try assists.
Edmed highlighted the contribution of Coleman in the lead-up to the victory over the Crusaders.
“If there was pressure on him you probably couldn’t tell,” Edmed told Stan Sport. “He’s been pretty consistent all year, he’s a very emotional guy and he really gets into the team and builds those relationships.
“His message before the game was super clear and I think he nails those pregame speeches. He’s done a really good job this week with that preparation.”
After a strong first-half performance against the Reds in Brisbane, Coleman will be buoyed by the performance of his bench late in the game, particularly from Wallaby backrow Ned Hanigan.
Hanigan only played 28 minutes but still made 16 tackles, the second-highest for the Waratahs and was not far behind his fellow backrower, Charlie Gamble - who started the game and completed 21 tackles. Hanigan was also a menace in the maul, constantly disrupting the Crusaders pack led by All Black Scott Barrett.
Waratahs players celebrate their win against the Crusaders in MelbourneCredit: Getty
Australian rugby fans got a glimpse of a slightly brighter future after the Waratahs’ victory and a brave performance from the Reds who were defeated by the Hurricanes 38-33 in sudden death on Sunday, after the game finished 33-33 in regular time.
The Brumbies were surprisingly disappointing in Melbourne, falling to the Chiefs 46-12 in a one-sided contest that gives the Waikato franchise a perfect record in the competition.
The Waratahs face the Highlanders on Friday night at Allianz Stadium, and will likely welcome back Wallaby Izaia Perese from concussion protocols.
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Coleman hopes the team’s performance against the Crusaders will persuade the fans to come out for the team’s first home game of the season.
“Hopefully that performance will get a few of the on the fence supporters and we know Sydney is a really fickle sporting crowd. They like winners, and we understand that, but hopefully, they’ll give us a shot and will come along Friday night and support us.
“The boys can’t do much more to get a crowd along than what they did tonight.”
Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off on February 23, with every match ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
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