Waratahs coach Darren Coleman is instantly likeable – it is little wonder that his side’s brilliant, Crusaders-like victory against the un-Crusaders-like Crusaders prompted calls for him to be given an immediate contract extension.

If only sport was so simple. If the Waratahs remain intent on making an early call on the coach’s future, the next three fixtures will be vital – and they are all niggly. The Highlanders and Blues at home then the Fijian Drua in Lautoka are all tough, with particular caution needed ahead of the Highlanders fixture on Friday.

The Highlanders beat the Crusaders 41-14 in their final pre-season trial, currently have a better No.9-No.10 combination than the champions, and scored five tries against the Blues on Friday to take their season tally to 10 already.

The Waratahs have a good recent record against them, but Folau Fakatava and Rhys Patchell are in sharp form and the Waratahs will have to get back up after coming down from Saturday’s highs.

2. The Waratah who really caught the eye

Jake Gordon, Jed Holloway and Tane Edmed were outstanding against the Crusaders, but it was midfielder Harry Wilson who burst out of the pack in terms of individual performances.

The tall midfielder ran some great lines and looked like a menace every time he touched the ball. Genetics have obviously been kind, but to produce that sort of game in precisely the area of the field where it looked like injuries would hurt the Waratahs was a big step in his progress.

Harry Wilson was impressive for the Waratahs.Credit: Getty

The double on-ball threat of Mahe Vailanu and Charlie Gamble was also game-defining, and the Waratahs will hopefully keep the faith with Langi Gleeson. His hands have let him down in the opening weeks but he’s clearly fitter than last year.

QOSHE - Why Darren Coleman isn’t out of the woods yet - Paul Cully
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Why Darren Coleman isn’t out of the woods yet

5 0
03.03.2024

Waratahs coach Darren Coleman is instantly likeable – it is little wonder that his side’s brilliant, Crusaders-like victory against the un-Crusaders-like Crusaders prompted calls for him to be given an immediate contract extension.

If only sport was so simple. If the Waratahs remain intent on making an early call on the coach’s future, the next three fixtures will be vital – and they are all niggly. The Highlanders and Blues at home then the........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


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