The Waratahs have unveiled their plans for an all-out attacking assault on the Super Rugby competition, with playmaking aces Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale to be given an extended run as a midfield duo.
Foley might have won the race to the No.10 jersey, with Beale to play inside centre, but coach Michael Cheika says getting both of his generals on the field at once was always his intention – with no concerns about too many cooks spoiling the broth.
NSW are taking no half measures in their round one clash with the Western Force in Sydney on Sunday, with electric winger Alofa Alofa picked to debut and the dynamic Will Skelton getting the jump on Springboks’ hardman Jacques Potgieter in the second row.
Cheika had an embarrassment of riches to choose from in the backline, but declared the Foley and Beale combination to be his strongest, and as such they won’t be chopped and changed.
“It’s going to take a little longer to blend, as most partnerships do in the midfield,” said Cheika.
“But I am prepared to give that time because they’re both good players and both fill roles that are important to the team.
“They’re both running players. They can both fill a role where they can attack the defensive line.”
But the Waratahs’ attacking plans don’t end there.
Beale will often sit out the back in defence alongside Wallabies superstar Israel Folau, with an instruction to run and use his attacking instincts.
Cheika isn’t worried about Beale’s defensive capabilities, or his shoulder which was operated on last year, if he’s required to handle traffic in the front line either.
“If I can have Kurtley and Israel in the back counter-attacking, I like that. I like Foley back there as well. And we have our wings, who are pace men getting back to support that counter-attack,” Cheika said.
“I want (Beale) to float around, come in when he feel likes he can play first receiver, run when he thinks he can play wide, build combinations not just with Foley but Ashley-Cooper and with Folau. Make things happen.”
Skelton, who weighs in at 135kg and stands at 203cm, made his debut last year and Cheika isn’t going to stand in the way of raw ability.
The same goes for former Sydney Roosters lower grader Alofa, who carved up in the Waratahs trial win over Auckland.
“If I don’t reward a guy who has shown that form, then it’s all speak otherwise. You have to back it up,” said Cheika.
“I didn’t expect him to play like that, to be honest with you.
“Potgieter could have played. But Skelton has done enough to warrant an opportunity.
“He has grown from last season and his eagerness to get better as a footballer (has been impressive).”
Paddy Ryan will start at prop ahead of Sekope Kepu, while halfback Nick Phipps will make his debut for the Waratahs after switching from Melbourne.
Waratahs: Israel Folau, Alofa Alofa, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Peter Betham, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis (capt), Kane Douglas, Will Skelton, Paddy Ryan, Tatafu Polota Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Tola Latu, Jeremy Tilse, Sekope Kepu, Jacques Potgieter, Stephen Hoiles/Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Rob Horne, Matt Carraro/Cam Crawford.