Waratahs set for biggest season yet in 2015

Feb 11 • General News, Super Rugby • 2098 Views • Comments Off on Waratahs set for biggest season yet in 2015

The NSW Waratahs officially launched their 2015 season campaign at the Ivy in Sydney on Wednesday, ahead of their Round 1 clash against the Western Force this Sunday at Allianz Stadium.

The event, which presented the 2015 playing squad and officially unveiled the three playing jerseys for the season, highlighted the blockbuster draw for the season ahead – in which the Tahs will be playing to keep the Super Rugby trophy in New South Wales.

Speaking at the event – coach Michael Cheika said that the season ahead would be about capitalising on the momentum of a positive pre-season, and building on the existing foundation the team has achieved.

“The key thing for us is not to reinvent the wheel, we need to be very clear about the identity of the team and not think about the result. Just think about playing the best rugby possible and enjoying ourselves – and making sure we’re 100 per cent committed,” Cheika said.

“The squad have committed very well to everything we’ve asked them to do in the pre-season and they’ve prepared well. I’m lucky to have the whole squad to choose from for this weekend.

“For us to be successful this year we need to have two or three lads who weren’t in the starting team last year to step up and put some pressure and claim a place in the side.

“We have to move forward, we have to keep driving forward and being competitive with each other and I think there are a few guys from the pre-season who have put their hand right up for selection this weekend.”

Captain Dave Dennis, who is expected to make his return from injury this Sunday, said the team was aware that they will no longer be seen as the underdog of the Super Rugby competition.

“I think the boys enjoy that challenge; we earned that tag in some respects last year in the way we played but this year we need to make sure each week we’re performing to our standards and our identity – I think that’s really important,” Dennis said.

“I don’t think that’s is something we should shy away from, it’s something that’s going to be challenging and knowing that will make us better players and a better team.”

The event also recognised the significant contribution of the club members and commercial partners, many of whom were in attendance.

Waratahs Rugby Director Al Baxter said at the event that the club was in a healthy position off-field as well as on.

“We’re looking fantastic, with demand for memberships up more than 50 per cent year on year we’re making great progress towards our target of 30,000 members by the end of the season,” Baxter said.

“Commercially we’ve had a great response from our partners this year old and new – with increased commitments from CMC Markets and Ray White; and welcoming new partners CGU Insurance and Ricoh on board, we’ve got a fantastic group of high quality organisations that have committed to the Waratahs in 2015.”

Photo by Waratahs