Daryl Gibson says the Waratahs are in a favourable position heading into the June break but stressed his men need to be more polished if they want to be genuine Super Rugby title contenders.
A 52-41 victory over the Queensland Reds has ensured the Waratahs remain top of the Australian conference, one point ahead of the Melbourne Rebels.
"Theres things in us we need to fix up if were going to be serious contenders," says Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson.
Photo: AAP
The Waratahs face the Rebels next but not for another four weeks as public attention turns to Australias three-Test series against Ireland.
Gibson was happy to come away from Suncorp Stadium with four competition points, and a second victory this year against the Reds, but knows greater attention to detail is needed if they want to replicate the clubs success of 2014.
“Im really pleased for our team,” Gibson said. “We came, we did what we needed to do today. We missed opportunities with getting more but the Reds attack was excellent and we couldnt keep them out.
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“These games are still revealing theres things in us we need to fix up if were going to be serious contenders. It continues to be the work-on for us; after scoring points how we put the pressure back on the other team. Thats something we havent nailed yet.
“It leaves us in charge of what we need to do. We know weve got three games coming up after June. We know our run and its still a long way off. Were in a good position."
In a free-flowing game where 15 tries were scored all up, the Waratahs attack clicked into gear through playmakers Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale.
The aerial brilliance of Israel Folau also proved to be a key advantage for the visitors.
“We knew we had an advantage with Israel and his aerial ability and again I thought tonight he was quite spectacular with the high ball he took,” Gibson said. “Its becoming a real weapon for us and its no secret its a tactic I want to make a real point of difference for us. What were getting better at is using him forward."
Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn could do little more than pay credit where it was due when pressed on Folaus performance.
As for the Reds interest to sign the star fullback next season, Thorn gave little away.
“Anyone would be interested in Israel and tonight he just showed why,” Thorn said. “I dont have anything to tell you at the moment. Im sure hes sorting out his stuff.
“Those high kicks it was clever by them and hes just outstanding at it. Sometimes youve just got to tip your hat and say you are very good.
“[There was] some positive stuff, some stuff that wasnt so positive. Our defence was disappointing. We let in some easy tries. Our kicking is a work-on. Therell be some goal-kicking practice.”
Waratahs captain Michael Hooper said it was pleasing that all Wallabies representatives got through the game unscathed.
“It was a really good hit-out,” Hooper said. “We managed our week really well as far as how much Ks [kilometres] we put into the legs. Our boys have pulled up quite well and are pumped to get through and take on this challenge for the next three weeks.”
With Rebels hooker Jordan Uelese in serious doubt for next Saturdays first Test, Hooper said Michael Cheika would have a a difficult decision deciding on who will wear the No.2 jersey.
Uelese will still come into Wallabies camp and no official replacement has been named yet but the likes of Damien Fitpatrick and Tolu Latu have been mentioned.
“Its horrible news for Jordan,” Hooper said. “Cheiks got a big decision to make. Its a position that there isnt much experience but theres guys who are jostling for a spot and I think even before this unfortunate thing happened Damien probably would have been in the conversation.”
Tom Decent is a journalist with Fairfax Media.
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