NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar says Friday's Super Rugby Pacific derby against the Queensland Reds is about more than bragging rights.
The Round 13 fixture at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park is also about the pride of defending an undefeated home record in 2025 to keep their finals hopes alive.
“It’s massive ... We started to build some momentum at home, had some good crowds and really good nights at Allianzuntil this point in time,” McKellar said.
“There is a strong rugby community among the NSW people and we have to give them a reason to keep coming out and supporting us. We have done that.
“The trick is doing the same away.”
The NSW Waratahs are ninth on the ladder and still within reach of the finals.
McKellar reaffirmed that when the season began, “winning our home games was right at the top of our list,” of goals.
He added that “our approach has been about daily [improvement] and what we do with our habits consistently from one day to the next.
“That leads to banking good training days and good training weeks.
“Then you get good performances off the back of that, [and] when you start to bank that, that’s when you really start to grow and build as a team.
“But if we want to play finals football, we’ve got to win, and we have to win the next couple of weeks.
“We're not in this competition to sit back and watch once the round games are done.
“We want to be playing in the big games. But our approach is one week at a time. And if we get those right, we will give ourselves a chance.”
Friday’s clash has added meaning, due to the intense rivalry between the sides.
McKellar says if the players need motivation beyond that, they “should change occupations. It’s a big game. And it’s important in the context of our season.”
The coach didn’t shy from addressing last week’s loss against the ACT Brumbies, noting that internal reviews have been tough but necessary.
“I was pretty angry after the Brumbies performance, just the second half in particular,” McKellar said.
“The players needed to know that, and they were pretty disappointed as well.
“But the beauty of this game is, you get the opportunity to respond pretty quickly.
“Talk is cheap now. It’s all about our actions.”
Several changes have been made to the NSW Waratahs lineup this week as a result of last week’s performances.
Flyhalf Tane Edmed returns to the starting side in a move that reflects both his recent form in club rugby and the maturity he's shown through adversity.
“Tane’s been very good,” McKellar said.
“Great attitude … great attitude at club, training performance excellent and that’s all important.
"In times of adversity, you watch how players react to it and respond.
“He’s been good and off the back of that he’s at the forefront of your mind.”
McKellar stressed Edmed, like all the playmakers in the squad, doesn’t need to provide a super-star performance to make a difference, just focus on his tasks.
“We’ve said to all the 10s, ‘You don’t need to be the best player on the field ... Just go out there and do your job. Guide us around.’
“The boys up front have to lay a platform for them as well.”
The NSW Waratahs forward pack will also be bolstered by the return from injury of lock Fergus Lee-Warner (foot) and hooker Dave Porecki (calf).
“There’s real stability that comes when experienced guys are back,” McKellar said.
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
When: Friday, 9 May, 2025
Kick-off: 7.35 pm (AEST)
For tickets to the game via Ticketek, click HERE
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
