Plenty to play for in pre-season hit-out

Wed, Jan 15, 2020, 10:56 PM
Waratahs Media
by Waratahs Media
Chris Whitaker is looking forward to seeing his side implement their new attacking structures.
Chris Whitaker is looking forward to seeing his side implement their new attacking structures.

The first pre-season trial for 2020 is fast approaching and NSW Waratahs Assistant, Chris Whitaker is eager to see how his side adapts to a new way of thinking with the ball in hand.

 

New Head Coach, Rob Penney is promoting a more instinctive style of attack and giving his players licence to play ‘eyes up footy’ and the squad is keen to see how their attacking flare stacks up against rival opposition.

 

Whitaker says Friday is more than an opportunity to test their new approach, it’s a chance to get a gauge of where his side is at just three weeks out from season-proper.

 

“It’s our first hit out against an opposition that doesn’t know our calls, and it gives us a good idea of where we’re at and what we need to improve on heading into that first game,” Whitaker said.

Jake Gordon will start this weekend. Photo: Getty Images

The match against the Highlanders will be structured into 20-minute quarters to allow both sides a chance to rotate through their squads, with plenty of NSW Waratahs expecting to see game time at Leichhardt Oval.

 

With the squad’s national players not expecting to feature until next week in Queensland, the match will shape as the first opportunity for many of the younger players to pull on the jersey for the first time.

 

“You want to give everyone an equal opportunity to push their claim for a start in that first clash against the Crusaders,” Whitaker said.

 

“Some will play 20 minutes, some will play 40, while a few guys will get a full 80. It just depends where they are at in the season and training loads and what we want to see out of them.”

 

But the added excitement of a competitive match is bound to throw up some surprises and Whitaker knows the squad will face a different type of contest on Friday night.

 

“Nothing can prepare you for that first match [of the season]. The intensity, speed and the contact goes up, so that Super Rugby physicality becomes more normal as we get ready for Round 1.”

Karmichael Hunt could be in line to replace Israel Folau. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

It will be the sixth straight year the Waratahs and Highlanders have clashed during the preseason, as they compete for the Sir Henry Braddon Cup.

 

The trophy recognises Braddon’s influence in the early history of both New South Wales and Otago, adding a wonderful sentiment to the pre-season hit out.

 

With so many spots open for selection for the Round 1 clash against the Crusaders, Whitaker says the trial is perfect time to see how the team could take shape.

 

“There are so many spots still available, Friday presents a really great chance for someone to nail down a spot [for Round 1].”

 

Friday’s clash with the Highlanders will be live streamed on nsw.rugby and rugby.com.au, with tickets still available here.

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