Why Waratahs’ prized recruit would be wasted if used only at inside-centre

May 24, 2026 — 1:40pm

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Waratahs coach Dan McKellar will be frustrated by the Waratahs’ failure to make the play-offs, as there is a sense that they are only just getting started in what is a relatively short season.

In recent weeks, they’ve started to carve out an identity based on back-line speed and attacking intent. If Super Rugby were a European-style competition in terms of length, it would really kick on over the next month.

The Waratahs need to double down on this approach because it clearly excites their younger athletes. But McKellar also needs to use the long off-season wisely.

Just as the Waratahs have worked out their identity based on the quality of their younger backs, opponents such as the Highlanders and the Brumbies have exploited the defensive weaknesses created by the Waratahs’ relative lack of leg speed up front.

The Waratahs’ forwards are too slow to reset on defence, allowing opponents to flood through that space. The Waratahs must either get fitter or recruit well up front to match their exciting younger backs.

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