Rugby union

Much more than pride on the line

Greg Growden Waratahs-Reds encounters - the longest rivalry in Australian rugby - revolve around personal pride.

Rugby

Tahs brass vows 'repercussions' if team pulls off yet another loss

Greg Growden How the Waratahs fare against the Cheetahs on Sunday will not only determine whether they end an exasperating, month-long losing streak but will also impact on the future of numerous leading team...

Waratahs selections to focus on forwards rotation for must-win clash

Greg Growden THE Waratahs are expected to again rotate several forwards, with Dave Dennis and Sitaleki Timani in line to return to the starting line-up for this weekend's match against the Stormers in Cape Town.

NSW turning attention to across the Tasman in search of utility back

Greg Growden THE Waratahs are looking across the Tasman for a midfielder who can play at five-eighth and fullback after missing out on Reds utility Ben Lucas.

Rugby

Seven changes as Tahs take Bulls by the horn

Greg Growden THE WARATAHS will react to their embarrassing loss to the Brumbies by making up to seven changes, including the promotion of Sarel Pretorius and the demotion of Tom Carter, for Friday night's game...

Bungles and brain snaps cost dearly, says Gaffney

Greg Growden ALAN GAFFNEY'S many years coaching in Australia, Ireland and Britain have taught him that teams crucify themselves if they mess up their attacking opportunities.

Waratahs beef up back line for Bulls battle

Greg Growden THE Waratahs' South African halfback Sarel Pretorius has told his teammates the only way to beat the Bulls is to be physical - and the selectors have responded by bolstering their arsenal for Friday...

Five essential ingredients to get within Bulls' roar

Greg Growden 1. Take advantage of any opposition leg-up

Rugby

Time for Tahs to shake off Crusaders curse

Greg Growden THERE'S no point asking most of the Waratahs what is the key to beating the Crusaders, because they haven't got a clue.

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Boos will spur on embarrassed Tahs to exact revenge in the west

Greg Growden REVENGE and the embarrassment of being booed will act as key motivators when the Waratahs head to Perth this week, as they want to get their Super Rugby season back on track by defeating the Force on...

Rugby

Latest back-line switch may not last if Barnes struggles under pressure

Greg Growden THE Waratahs will field their fourth back-line combination in five matches when they play the Sharks, but the experimentation out wide is far from over.

This team needs strong leadership, so here's to you, Mr Robinson

Greg Growden Not surprisingly, Waratahs coach Michael Foley was talking tough after his team put up the white flag against the Western Force.

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Rugby

Sevens star Foley to fill fullback role for Tahs

Greg Growden AUSTRALIAN Sevens captain Bernard Foley is preparing to take over as the Waratahs fullback against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night, with Adam Ashley-Cooper discovering he will have another...

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Third time lucky: Barnes' storming session leaves Carter on outer

Greg Growden The Waratahs have named Berrick Barnes at inside-centre for Saturday's clash against the Highlanders, forcing last week's two-try hero, Tom Carter, to the bench.

Worried Waratahs get boost in Barnes

Greg Growden BERRICK BARNES will at last appear in the Waratahs No.10 jersey, Tom Carter is in contention for a midfield spot and a new captain is in the offing as the Waratahs try to salvage their season by...

Tahs ready to bench marquee halfback

Greg Growden THE Waratahs' marquee overseas signing Sarel Pretorius is in danger of being demoted to the bench for his team's first encounter of the year against his countrymen when they play the Sharks in Sydney...

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Rebels beaten to the punch with speed, spite and Sarel

Greg Growden IT was a turbulent night when the meek were soon exposed.

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Greg Growden

Tahs' new faces need the spirit of an old rivalry

Greg Growden GONE are the days when matches between NSW and Queensland were the be-all and end-all of Australian rugby.

'Sore' Barnes ruled out as Elsom's rocky start persists

Greg Growden The NSW Waratahs have been dealt a fresh injury blow with Wallabies star Berrick Barnes ruled out of Friday’s Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels.

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