NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar has provided key insights ahead of his side’s blockbuster Round 6 Super Rugby Pacific derby against the ACT Brumbies at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney on Saturday night.
Speaking to media today, McKellar reflected on his team's performances, including their loss to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane last Saturday, their preparation for Saturday's clash, and the deep rivalry between the two sides.
Despite the result against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium, McKellar said the team’s review was as robust and thorough as any week, win or lose.
“We always review the performance, and this week was no different,” McKellar said.
“There were some things that needed to be tidied up, and there were also some positives.
“Unfortunately, the game isn’t played over just 20 minutes—it’s an 80-minute contest.
“In the first 20 minutes, we stuck to what we trained for all week, but when we faced adversity with the yellow card, we strayed away from that plan.
“The only way to correct that is through training physically.”
Asked if he had considered making selection changes in response to what he described as “soft moments” against the Queensland Reds, McKellar was firm in his belief that his squad deserved a chance to respond.
“There aren’t many changes in the group this week, which means those selected have the opportunity to front up with an edge and show a response,” McKellar said.
Having previously been at the helm of the ACT Brumbies now coached by Stephen Larkham, McKellar is now on the other side of one of Australian rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
“It’s a big derby game. The New South Wales boys want to knock off their arch-rivals, and that’s the Brumbies,” McKellar said.
“I spent many years in that camp, but now I’m here, and I’m driven and energised to do all I can to turn things around.”
While the ACT Brumbies have historically dominated this fixture in recent years, McKellar dismissed speculation about whether the rivalry could lose its edge.
“There’s no chance this rivalry dies. Both teams are desperately hungry to beat each other," he said.
"It goes back a long way, and it’s part of what makes Australian rugby great."
McKellar acknowledged the strengths of the ACT Brumbies, particularly their forward pack and rolling maul, a hallmark of their play for many years.
“We expect the Brumbies to target us with their rolling maul — it’s a big part of their DNA,” he said.
“But we’ve trained hard to counter that, and the boys know what to expect.
One key player in the Brumbies’ arsenal is Wallabies back-rower Rob Valetini, a player McKellar knows well.
“Rob is a dominant ball carrier and works hard in defence,” McKellar said.
“The key to limiting his impact is taking away his time and space. We can’t let him get wound up.”
Despite his familiarity with the ACT Brumbies' structures, McKellar played down any advantage he might have from his past tenure.
“I know the players, and I know what they stand for, but ‘Bernie’ [Stephen Larkham] will have a few tricks up his sleeve,” McKellar said.
“Systems change, but the DNA of the team remains the same.
“They pride themselves on physicality, and if we want to change the recent trend, we need to match them in that area.”
McKellar was asked about the decision to keep playmaker Tane Edmed on the bench while Lawson Creighton continues to start at fly-half.
“Lawson has done well. He was solid against the Force and deserves another start,” McKellar said.
“Tane will get his opportunities, and we’ve had good conversations about what he needs to do to push for a starting spot.”
Another key selection discussion revolved around the NSW Waratahs’ marquee signing, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii who has been recovering from a toe injury.
McKellar confirmed that while Suaalii is near full fitness, the decision was made to hold him back for another week in readiness to play against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
“There’s a difference between playing and performing,” McKellar said.
“He hasn’t had enough training load in his legs yet.
“The smart decision is to think about the long game rather than rushing him back.”
McKellar also lauded the contributions of back-rower Charlie Gamble who will earn his 50th cap for the NSW Waratahs on Saturday night.
“Charlie is an incredibly important player for us. He brings a real edge to our forward pack, both in defence and at the breakdown,” McKellar said.
“He’s the kind of player who thrives in high-intensity games like this, and we’ll be looking to him to set the tone physically.
“Reaching 50 caps for any club is a special moment, and Charlie deserves all the recognition for this.
“He’s been a warrior for this team, and his consistency over the years speaks volumes about his work ethic and dedication.
“We’ll be looking to channel that milestone into a performance to remember.”
Another significant inclusion for the Waratahs is the return of No. 8 Langi Gleeson to the starting side.
“Langi is a powerful ball carrier and an aggressive defender,” McKellar said.
“Having him back in the starting lineup gives us that extra punch in the loose forwards, and we know he’s eager to make his mark in a game like this."
McKellar stressed the importance of the NSW Waratahs developing their own identity, rather than solely focusing on stopping their opponents.
“We’re really clear on what we want to stand for as a team — effort and fight,” he said.
“That’s our foundation. We also want to polish our attack, our kicking game, and all those small details that make a big difference.
“Ultimately, we want 20,000 people to turn up to Allianz Stadium every week and feel proud of the grit and determination we show.”
Despite sitting lower on the ladder, McKellar remains optimistic about the NSW Waratahs’ progress and potential.
“We’re coming from a tough position, and as I’ve said before, Rome wasn’t built in a day,” McKellar said.
“We’ve had a couple of good results based on effort and fight, and now we want to evolve and challenge the best teams in the competition.
“The Brumbies are certainly one of those.”
When: at 7.35 pm (AEDT) Saturday 22 March 2025
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
To purchase your tickets, click HERE
The game will be televised LIVE on 9Gem and Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
