Stung by comments the bitter rivalry between the Waratahs and Brumbies is dead, NSW are hoping the return of Wallabies back Lalakai Foketi helps kick-start their faltering Super Rugby Pacific attack.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The teams square off at GIO Stadium on Saturday night after ACT chairman Matt Nobbs declared 'Tah Week' had lost its aura with his side winning the last 10 clashes straight.
The Brumbies lead the Australian charge in the 2023 competition with four wins from five matches, including a round-one victory over NSW, while the Waratahs have the reverse record.
Waratahs captain Jake Gordon, who this week committed to Australian rugby until the end of 2025, admitted on Thursday he wasn't thrilled with the comments.
"It's his opinion and I'm not going to lie it stings a bit, but that's up to us to perform better," said World Cup hopeful Gordon.
The Waratahs held the unbeaten table-topping Chiefs to a 7-7 scoreline at halftime last round, but let themselves down with a swag of handling errors to fall to a 12-point defeat.
As well as the return of inside centre Foketi, NSW also welcome back exciting youngster Max Jorgensen at fullback, both overcoming shoulder complaints.
"I'm really happy to have those guys back," halfback Gordon said.
"To have those two guys back this week is exciting because we really want to be confrontational with the Brumbies and also to be able to spread the ball.
"Our attack has been a little bit clunky of late ... have La (Foketi) come back, who can pretty much do everything - a great kick, great pass, really good feet, great communicator - his distribution will be important for us."
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones will name his first training squad on Sunday with Gordon vying for a spot alongside Brumbies No.9s Nic White and Ryan Lonergan.
Gordon said Jones had told him he wanted him to stay in Australia, which helped sway his decision to re-sign.
But the 12-Test representative said it wasn't any extra motivation for the Canberra clash.
"Round one was massive for us and this one is too, but we need to focus on ourselves and not get got caught up in the hype and play some really good rugby," he said.
"Defensively last week was great but we haven't been able to consistently play good rugby and we want to do that this weekend."
Australian Associated Press
