The loud noises and bright lights might’ve hurt their heads, but that wasn’t going to stop a bleary-eyed Waratahs pack from celebrating their maiden Super Rugby triumph with the NSW faithful.
“Actually we’re a bit lucky some of the lads are back from their night out. It’s only been a couple of days,” laughed coach Michael Cheika in front of a 5,000-strong crowd in Sydney’s Martin Place on Tuesday afternoon.
“But I think that we would’ve come from anywhere to get a reception like this in our home town – it’s really unbelievable.
“It’s a really special occasion. I don’t think anyone expected this.”
Cheika, flanked by his team, assistant coaches, the NSW Premier Mike Baird and other dignitaries, thanked fans for their support after 18 years of pain and near misses.
But it didn’t come without a cheeky dig at their trans-Tasman rivals – in case losing by one point on Saturday wasn’t hurtful enough.
“In the build-up to the game, the Crusaders suggested that going out to play the match Homebush was a mutual field – that was the biggest mistake they could’ve made,” he said to cheers.
“We could’ve played in Taree, in Lismore, Dubbo, Bathurst – one of the lads said we could’ve played in the middle of Anzac Parade.
“But out at Homebush, with 62,000 people there, I think it really made the difference in the end having the crowd behind us.
“As a player, as a coach, the emotion you get when you’re being supported by your fan base and your home town is absolutely indescribable and it pushes you to do things you wouldn’t do normally.
“And I think that’s what happened to us on Saturday night. Those extra couple of metres that Bernard Foley got with his last kick was probably due to the crowd out there.
“It was an awesome experience.”
Although he missed the chance to play in Saturday’s decider, injured skipper Dave Dennis – hobbling on stage with a knee brace – said watching 30 of his best mates claim the 2014 title was a very proud moment and one he’ll always remember.
“As a playing group, to see how far we’ve grown in the last two years and how much our support’s grown, it’s a really special thing,” he said.
“Thanks, and let’s do it all again next year.”
