As the NSW Waratahs prepare for a crucial Super Rugby Pacific derby against the ACT Brumbies this Saturday, Head Coach Dan McKellar says he is confident his side is moving in the right direction in mindset and performance.
Speaking to media after training today, McKellar cited the importance of consistency, individual discipline, and the return of key personnel as the team eyes a strong finish to the season proper, and hopefully a place in the finals.
One of the most welcome developments in the build-up to the game at GIO Stadium in Canberra this week is the return of Wallabies scrumhalf Jake Gordon, who is set to start after recovering from a medial ligament injury.
“It is a nice little boost,” McKellar said of Gordon’s return to the playing side.
“Players of his experience bring a presence and it gives you a level of comfort in the dressing shed. He will go about his job and lead through his actions.”
Gordon’s return means promising young scrumhalf Teddy Wilson will now take a bench role, but not a minor one, McKellar stressed.
“Teddy will be equally as important. He won’t be playing five minutes off the bench,” McKellar said.
“He’s started six games in a row and whether Jake has returned or not, he was probably ready to have a spell and freshen up a bit.
“But he will have an important role at the back end.”
McKellar praised the growth of several emerging talents in the squad, saying their recent performances have been “a silver lining” to injury absences.
“Some players just need an opportunity to see if they are ready to perform at this level consistently,” McKellar said.
“We have seen that a number of times, like with [Henry] O’Donnell, [Ethan] Dobbins, Teddy and there are others.”
In another development, McKellar confirmed talks with Gordon about a contract extension are progressing well, and he’s optimistic he will remain in Sky Blue.
But Wilson remains very much part of the NSW Waratahs’ long-term vision.
“We want him here for the next 10 years,” McKellar said. “He’s the future ...”
Meanwhile, Wallabies rake David Porecki is close to a return from a calf injury.
“If this was a Grand Final, he could have been a push it. He will be a chance next week,” McKellar said.
Looking to Saturday, McKellar expects a fired-up ACT Brumbies side, especially after their defeat to the NSW Waratahs in Sydney earlier this season.
“It’s a rivalry that has been around for a number of years now, and one that the players get excited about, and the fans get excited about,” McKellar said.
“And I am sure Joe [Schmidt, Wallabies coach] and his coaching staff will be watching this one closely as well.
“We must go down there with the right mindset, right attitude and bring what is close to our best game.
“It won’t be perfect, but if we are full of effort and full of attitude and we want to roll out sleeves up, then we will give ourselves a chance.
“That is what we have done against the Brumbies previously, and what we did against the Chiefs.
“The challenge for us now as a group is doing it consistently, and that is from our training habits and obviously consistently from a performance perspective.”
As for the difference between the NSW Waratahs winning at home but not away, McKeller said: “It's an individual thing, making sure there are no distractions.
“There are different things. You are in a hotel. There is a buffet if you want to over-eat. If you sleep in till 11 o’clock and be a little lethargic, that will flow into your performance.”
McKellar acknowledged the challenge of breaking old habits but he believes the group is starting to embrace new standards.
“There’s been enormous change in this building with how we train. It’s different from what they have experienced and that takes time to adapt to that daily.
“But we’re getting there, and habits are something that we talk about a lot.
“In a game, under pressure, you will default to what your habits are. If they are poor on Tuesday and Thursday ... then they will be poor on Saturday night.
“But if they are consistently good, then you will give yourself a chance.”
What: NSW Waratahs v the ACT Brumbies
Where: GIO Stadium, Canberra
When: Saturday, 3 May, 2025
Kick-off: 7.35 pm (AEST)
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - the home of rugby
