NSW Waratahs To Put Lessons into Practice v Moana Pasifika, says Lawson Creighton

NSW Waratahs flyhalf Lawson Creighton has underlined the key lessons learned by the squad from their heavy 57-12 loss in Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific to the Hurricanes in Wellington, New Zealand last Friday night.

Creighton also stressed the importance of the NSW Waratahs fighting back with a physical response to the defeat at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland when they take on Moana Pasifika in Round 8 on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking to media after training at the NSW Waratahs’ base in Daceyville, Sydney today, Creighton recognised the frustration of last week’s game; but he also highlighted the team’s resilience in regrouping for the upcoming clash.

“It’s not going to be perfect sometimes, and we’ve got to adapt better on the run with adversity,” Creighton said.

“That’s the key takeaway for us – to be better and move forward.”

Reflecting on his own experience in the match against the Hurricanes, Creighton explained the confusion surrounding his supposed concussion.

“I didn’t cop a head knock, but I got a cut that needed a few stitches, and my mouthguard pinged out about 10 or 15 minutes after I was split open,” he said

“During the game, my test results were slightly down, so they failed me on the Head Injury Assessment (HIA), which was frustrating, but I completely understand that’s the protocol we need to follow for player safety.”

After the match, Creighton underwent the required post-match HIA protocols.

“The process involved two follow-up tests, which I passed. That cleared me to play this weekend,” Creighton said.

“It’s just one of those things – the baseline test at the start of the year is done in a controlled environment, but when you’re in the heat of a game, dealing with a cut and everything else, sometimes results can be different.

“The important thing is that I feel good and ready to go.”

The NSW Waratahs have focused on the issues that led to their struggles in Wellington, particularly around the breakdown and maintaining possession.

“We turned the ball over 24 times, and you can’t build pressure with those kinds of stats,” Creighton said.

“We didn’t win the physical battle, and that’s what we’ve been addressing this week. We know what we need to do.”

With Moana Pasifika coming off the back of a strong win against the Crusaders, Creighton acknowledged the challenge for Australian team to win games in New Zealand; but he remains confident in the team’s ability to bounce back.

“Going over there, it’s pretty clear – you have to win the physical battle,” Creighton said.

“That’s something we didn’t do last week, but we’ve been working hard on it, and I’m sure we’ll get a response.”

Creighton, who joined the NSW Waratahs from the Queensland Reds this season, has been settling into his role as their starting flyhalf.

He has gained confidence with regular game time and building an effective combination with young halfback Teddy Wilson.

“Minutes for me are great, and I think we’re starting to develop some real cohesion,” Creighton said.

“When we’re on, we’re really good – we just need to narrow the gap when we’re not.”

Despite a run of injuries at the NSW Waratahs, Creighton remains optimistic about the depth in the squad and the ability of the next generation to step up.

“It’s obviously tough news for ‘Jorgo’ (Max Jorgensen who has syndismosis and requires surgery on Friday), but he’s young, and he’ll be back,” Creighton said.

“As a squad, we rally around him and trust the guys stepping up to get the job done.”

When: 12.05 pm (AEDT) Saturday 8 April 2025

Where: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland New Zealand

The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby