{"id":40430,"date":"2022-02-01T14:23:25","date_gmt":"2022-02-01T01:23:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/?p=40430"},"modified":"2022-02-01T14:23:25","modified_gmt":"2022-02-01T01:23:25","slug":"team-preview-the-nsw-waratahs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/super-rugby\/2022\/02\/team-preview-the-nsw-waratahs\/","title":{"rendered":"TEAM PREVIEW: THE NSW WARATAHS"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Waratahs have plenty to prove in Super Rugby Pacific as they enter a new era under Darren Coleman.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The side finished last year winless after a series of injuries and heartbreaking defeats, keen to ensure this is not replicated in 2022.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Last season:<\/strong>\u00a05th (Super Rugby AU), 10th (Super Rugby Trans Tasman)<\/p>\n

Home ground:\u00a0<\/strong>Leichhardt Oval<\/p>\n

Coach:\u00a0<\/strong>Darren Coleman<\/p>\n

Captain:<\/strong>\u00a0TBC<\/p>\n

Gains:<\/strong>\u00a0Ruan Smith, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper, Tevita Funa, Dylan Pietsch, Archer Holz, Hugh Bokenham, Jamie Roberts, Geoff Cridge, Hamdan Tuipulotu<\/p>\n

Losses<\/strong>: Robbie Abel, Chris Talakai, Jack Whetton, Sam Caird, Sam Wykes, Jack Dempsey, Tepai Moeroa, Jack Maddocks, Joe Cotton, Chris Tatola<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

RETURNING STAR<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Waratahs will be significantly boosted by the return of Wallabies skipper\u00a0Michael Hooper from a Japanese sabbatical.<\/p>\n

Hooper is still recovering from a foot injury and will be racing the clock to be fit for\u00a0the start of the season. Despite this, he remains a crucial part of their team and if can continue his form from 2021, the inspirational flanker\u00a0will play a major part in the side\u2019s revival.<\/p>\n

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ROOKIE TO WATCH<\/strong><\/p>\n

League convert Tevita Funa is eyeing off a spot in the back three and has all the skills necessary to succeed.<\/p>\n

Funa, who arrives from NRL club Manly Sea Eagles, grew up playing the sport as a flyhalf and fullback and impressed with his opening touches during their Super Rugby trial against the Brumbies.<\/p>\n

The 24-year-old follows in a long line of code converts making the switch and will be a dangerous player to handle if he can continue his rapid development.<\/p>\n

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CRUNCH GAME<\/strong><\/p>\n

After a disappointing 2021, the Waratahs must get off to a strong start against the Fijian Drua on February 18 at CommBank Stadium.<\/p>\n

Coming off a winless season, success early under Darren Coleman will provide some much-needed confidence that could potentially set them up for success heading forward.<\/p>\n

This will be followed by clashes against the Brumbies and Reds, the two main contenders from Australia, making it extra important they find a way to win in this fixture.<\/p>\n

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