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Waratahs' Teddy Wilson: 'I had to choose between boxing and rugby'
By Ian Cameron
After turning his back on a promising amateur career in boxing, rookie Waratahs scrumhalf Teddy Wilson is hoping to transfer the mental grit acquired in the squared circle to the fields of Super Rugby.
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More than 20,000 fans at Allianz Stadium witnessed the Dan McKellar-coached Waratahs’ 28-23 triumph on Saturday. With incumbent Waratahs’ captain Jake Gordon sidelined by a medial ligament injury, Wilson has seized the opportunity to direct the Waratahs’ attack in the No. 9 jersey.
The former Australian U20s captain, now in his third season with the NSW Waratahs, impressed in a thrilling Round 6 Super Rugby Pacific victory against the ACT Brumbies, helping to break a 13-game Tahs losing streak against their rivals.
The son of former Wallabies captain David Wilson is under no illusion to how significant the win was for a team eager to make a statement against their long-time rivals.
“It was a special win,” said Wilson. “Against the Brumbies, it’s always a big derby match, and to finally get one over them at home, in front of our fans, was an incredible feeling.”
Super Rugby Pacific
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
Chiefs
6
5
1
0
22
2
Crusaders
5
4
1
0
19
3
Reds
5
4
1
0
19
4
Waratahs
5
4
1
0
17
5
Brumbies
6
3
3
0
15
6
Force
6
3
3
0
14
7
Highlanders
5
2
3
0
11
8
Hurricanes
5
2
3
0
9
9
Blues
6
1
5
0
7
10
Fijian Drua
6
1
5
0
7
11
Moana Pasifika
5
1
4
0
6
He credited the consistent energy levels throughout the match – particularly after a disappointing second-half lapse against the Reds in Round 5 – as a key factor in Saturday’s success.
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“We spoke about that during the week,” Wilson said. “We started well against the Reds but dropped off in the second half. You can’t win a game just by starting well, you’ve got to play the full 80 minutes.
“We knew the Brumbies would come hard at us in the second half, so it was all about maintaining that high energy.”
One of the match’s standout plays saw Wilson finish off a sparkling passage of attack to score the Tahs’ first points of the game at the 17-minute mark.
“It was all set up by the other boys. Isaac [Kailea] made a crucial turnover, and we spotted space down the left edge.
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“Kells (Andrew Kellaway) added pace onto the ball, the forwards and (Taniela) Tupou executed great hands, and Rob [Leota] showed his speed to finish it off.
“I was lucky enough to be backing up on the inside to dot it down.”
Wilson’s new responsibilities in the No. 9 jersey in the boots of the injured Gordon have come with high expectations, but the 22-year-old has taken them in stride.
“It’s been an awesome opportunity to start these last two games, and I’ve loved every moment. I’m just taking it week by week, focusing on the process and making sure I nail my preparation so I can perform to my best ability.”
“These are the moments you want – to be on the field in those pressure situations, whether it’s chasing a win or closing out a game,” he said. “We’ve had a few tight finishes, and while there’s still room for improvement, we’re learning every week.”
While Wilson’s skill on the rugby field is now well-established, his sports journey began inside the boxing ring.
“I started boxing when I was about 10, mainly for fitness, but then took it more seriously, got a coach, and competed at national titles. Eventually, I had to choose between boxing and rugby – one required me to stay as light as possible, and the other required me to put on weight.”
The need to bulk up for rugby ultimately won out, with the 6ft, 85kg halfback nearly double the body weight he was when he won the Australian Junior Championship in 2016 in the 44kg category.
However, the lessons learned from the ‘sweet science’ remain.
“The mental side of boxing is unlike anything else. You’re in the ring alone, and that resilience transfers to rugby.
“In high-pressure moments, you need to stay composed – whether you’re dodging punches or making split-second decisions with big forwards charging at you.”
Wilson’s next big test comes this Friday in Wellington against the Hurricanes. It’s a fixture made even more daunting by the travel and Aussie Super sides’ generally dire record on NZ soil in the competition.
“The Hurricanes are a quality side with some exceptional players,” he said. “Going over to New Zealand is always tough, but the boys are really motivated after our win over the Brumbies.
“Good teams back up strong performances, so our focus has already shifted to preparing well and putting in a performance we can be proud of.”
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