Versatile Adam Ashley-Cooper is tipping yet another positional change for himself and backing a vastly-under strengthened NSW Waratahs to respond to the pressure in Sunday’s Super Rugby showdown with the Crusaders.
Wallabies utility Ashley-Cooper has played most of the season on the wing since moving across from the Brumbies.
However, with young fullback Bernard Foley injured and Test outside centre Rob Horne suspended, Ashley-Cooper could find himself in either of those two positions for the Sydney clash with the perennially-powerful Crusaders.
The Waratahs ran a number of different backline combinations at training on Tuesday, with Ashley-Cooper popping up at outside centre and on the wing.
“I think there’s a possibility that I will either play 13 or 15, depending on how the combinations work at training this week,” Ashley-Cooper told reporters on Tuesday.
“We ran through a few combinations out there today and we will go through a bit of work tomorrow and we will see how we gel together to find a backline that suits us to play the Crusaders.”
Five-eighth Berrick Barnes could well be the man to switch to fullback, with Daniel Halangahu to move from the bench into the No.10 jersey – however Barnes was off training sick on Tuesday.
Ashley-Cooper was hoping a potential change of position would allow him to become more involved in the game.
“I’ve actually been enjoying my time on the wing, not as much ball there as I would have liked,” Ashley-Cooper said.
“I think with the change to either of these two positions, it’s going to bring me a lot more ball in hand, which I’m looking forward to.
“A little bit more confrontation, which I’ve always enjoyed in the past, especially in that 13 role.”
NSW are one point behind Australian conference leaders the Brumbies, but will be missing several key players this weekend.
Horne and Foley apart, openside flanker Chris Alcock and backup prop Paddy Ryan are also injured.
They join an already worrying casualty list of long term absentees including wingers Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell, lock Dan Vickerman and openside flanker Pat McCutcheon.
“We’ve got a few injuries, so we are certainly up against it,” Ashley-Cooper said.
“This team does perform well under pressure and I think we are certainly feeling it this week, so hopefully we can come out and show a bit more character.”
NSW No.8 Wycliff Palu was philosophical about the possible presence in the Crusaders’ back-row of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, who is considered a chance to return this weekend.
Palu said McCaw had a presence, but he was also complimentary about the work of his Crusaders’ counterpart Kieran Read.
Asked where Read stood in the pecking order of No.8s, Palu said “right at the top.”
“Not just No.8, but the back-row in general.
“He does everything that a back-rower should do, jumps in the lineout, a good scrummager and good around the field as well.”
Palu said the key for the Waratahs this week is to work together.
“You can’t battle the Crusaders one out,” Palu said.
