Waratahs ready to ‘fire some shots’ at Blues

Jake Gordon wants to see the NSW Waratahs’ “glimpses” of attacking flourish turn into something more, pledging the Super Rugby Pacific side will fire some shots towards the Blues at Eden Park.

The halfback and captain wasn’t happy with the overall performance of his side in a welcome win over the Western Force last weekend.

But he was pleased to see damaging centre Izaia Perese get plenty of ball, so too winger Dylan Pietsch.

With Max Jorgensen on the other flank fresh off his first Wallabies camp and fullback Harry Wilson earning his first Super start Gordon expects plenty of pep in their step in Auckland.

“What I did enjoy from that (Force) game was that we got the ball in some dangerous guys’ hands,” Gordon said from Auckland ahead of Saturday’s clash.

“We’ve put more emphasis on our attack. We’re not where we want to be just yet, but there are glimpses.

“You’ve got to fire some shots but we need to be calculated. We’re not just swinging and hoping.”

Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase and flanker Michael Hooper have been rested for the clash against the last season’s finalists, who are fifth with a 4-3 record.

Gordon’s Waratahs (2-5) have won less games than Fijian Drua (3-4) but are equal on points and fighting for eighth spot at the season’s halfway point thanks to the collection of five bonus points.

Those extras have come because four of the Waratahs’ losses have been by 10 points or less.

“It’s been a tough run, especially because we’ve been really close,” Gordon said.

Playmaker Beauden Barrett will notch 150 Super Rugby games on Saturday.

“It’s a great milestone for him; he’s a really classy footy player, been at the top for a long, long time,” Gordon said of the Blues star.

“His variety of kicks are impressive and his turn of speed … his acceleration allows him to get out of trouble.

“It might not be the prettiest situation, but he often gets his head through the contact.

“We definitely need to be wary of his kicks and running game.”