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‘Another patch of grass’: Waratahs eye historic upset at Eden Park
By Finn Morton
Dan McKellar knows the NSW Waratahs head into their season-defining clash with the Blues as firm underdogs, but the coach remains hopeful of an upset, with the visitors chasing a historic result on “just another patch of grass” at Eden Park.
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One-Test Wallaby Darby Lancaster was the hero for the Tahs last weekend at Perth’s HBF Park, as the winger crossed for a speculator last-gasp try to steal a win against the Western Force. With the match going to Super Point, it came down to an incredible try in the final play.
After shocking the Chiefs 21-14 on April 11, the Tahs lost their next four matches before making the long trip out west. If the New South Welshman failed to beat the men from Western Australia, then their hopes of making the playoffs would’ve been over.
The Force had some chances to steal it themselves, but the match seemed destined for a draw before Lancaster’s somersault finish. With one more round left in the regulaanr season, the Tahs are still a chance of playing finals football.
If the Tahs beat the Blues at Eden Park for the first time since 2009, then they’ll move on to the next stage if Moana Pasifika fail to stun the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday. After starting their season on Valentines Day, the Tahs’ entire campaign comes down to this.
“We understand the challenge that’s in front of us, but we’re certainly excited about it,” McKellar told reporters in Sydney on Thursday.
“I don’t think there would be a whole lot of people tipping us.
“To a certain extent that takes the pressure off, but internally there is pressure.
“We are not going to go over there to have a nice performance where we lose the game in a close scenario. We want to go over there and win.”
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McKellar has made a surprise selection call ahead of the Blues battle, with Jack Bowen named at fly-half for the first time this season. Bowen will join rising star Teddy Wilson in the halves, with regular halfback and captain Jake Gordon ruled out with an injury.
One-Test Wallaby Tane Edmed will instead look to provide impact off the bench, while Lawson Creighton has been retained at fullback. Edmed has shown signs of promise in the No. 10 jumper in recent weeks, but experience off the bench could be key.
Bowen will line up opposite former two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett, who will drive a star-studded team around the park in attack. Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke and Rieko Ioane are among those in the Blues’ All-Star-esque backline.
“Most teams are difficult to beat at home. But Eden Park, it’s not like it is a tough place to play,” McKellar said.
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“It’s a beautiful stadium … but we just have to understand that it’s another patch of grass.
“It’s a nice stadium and we play in plenty of those. And the Brumbies showed early in the year that it [winning] is possible.
“We just have to make sure that we don’t do anything out of the ordinary other than go over there and do your job and perform well.”
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