The NSW Waratahs say they can’t get distracted by the looming Lions series as they strive to keep their Super Rugby title hopes alive against the table-topping Brumbies on Saturday night.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will name a 25-man squad to tackle the touring British and Irish Lions the day after the big derby and, with key individual match-ups across the park, the result at ANZ Stadium could prove decisive at the national selection table.
But with the Waratahs walking the finals tightrope in eighth place on the ladder – and 11 points adrift of the Brumbies – NSW’s incumbent tighthead prop Sekope Kepu said it would be dangerous to put personal goals ahead of team interests.
“No doubt, the Lions series is in the back of guys’ heads,” Kepu said on Monday.
“But more importantly, it’s about getting our season back on the road. We’re in control of our own destiny now.
“For me, it’s just trying to play well and do well here and that will look after selections for the Wallabies, if that’s the case.”
Kepu admitted revenge was just as big a motivation after the Brumbies spanked the Waratahs 30-6 in round four in Canberra.
“Last time we were down there, we don’t go particularly well. That’s something that still hurts a bit,” he said.
“So it’s another shot to redeem ourselves.”
Centre Rob Horne, who goes head-to-head with fellow Wallabies hopeful Christian Lealiifano, said the growing hype for the Lions series in June and July was impossible to avoid but merely added spice to Saturday’s showdown.
“That’s been there for the past few years, knowing that there’s a Lions series coming, and now it’s even closer,” he said.
“It’s been on the horizon for everyone and it’s timely now – this is a derby game and you’re playing against guys that are also competing for those spots.
“So it’s going to be a big game no matter what.”
While the Brumbies can afford a slip-up, the Waratahs can’t.
“All games are must-wins for us from here on in,” Horne said.
With Wallabies star Berrick Barnes coming off the bench to play a major role in the Waratahs’ last-gasp win over the Stormers last Saturday, coach Michael Cheika once again has some big selection decisions to make.
Cheika used Barnes at inside centre in his only previous start before the utility was injured, but Horne has excelled since taking over at No.12, prompting Cheika to thrust Barnes into five-eighth with the game on the line against the Stormers.
If he makes any changes to the starting line-up, Cheika is likely to name Barnes at five-eighth and relegate Bernard Foley to the bench.
Kepu had a calf scan on Monday but said it was only precautionary because he pulled up sore on Sunday and had a history of injuries in that area.