EXCLUSIVE: Matt Burke Calls on Waratahs’ Senior Stars to Step Up Following Costly Bonus Point Mistake

Former Wallaby Matt Burke has voiced his concerns regarding the need for leadership within the Waratahs following their disappointing 28-14 defeat to the Fijian Drua, which cost them a vital bonus point on Saturday.

The team, under Dan McKellar, struggled to compete against their rivals in what turned into a challenging encounter.

A critical late penalty try for the Drua was awarded after full time when they went for a penalty goal at 21-14. Although the kick was unsuccessful, the Waratahs opted to spread the play instead of simply clearing the ball.

This decision led to a sequence of mistakes, with Joseph Suaalii picking up the ball while offside. Had it not been for him, the Drua would have been poised to score.

Bailing out from the loss cost the Waratahs a precious bonus point, a point of disbelief for Burke, who noted that if the Tahs had lost by seven points or less, that bonus point would have been theirs.

“All they needed to do was clear the ball and secure that point,” he stated on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.

“It’s baffling to think the only team capable of covering 105 metres in Fiji is the Drua. Joseph was in the wrong place and picked it up out of an instinctive reaction.

“This is where the experience of the leaders should come into play – a clear need to secure that bonus point as they left the field.”

Justin Harrison echoed these sentiments, sharing that he “would’ve been quite frustrated” in a similar situation, even if he wore a wry smile.

Currently, the Waratahs find themselves in a tricky sixth position on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.

Trailing them are the Hurricanes, Blues, and Highlanders, all sitting four points adrift.

Burke expressed concern that this misjudgement could have lasting consequences for their season.

“Was it a case of a reckless mindset where they thought they could attempt anything? Looking at the ladder, they sit sixth… and below them are the Hurricanes and Blues, who are both in position to close the gap. Every point counts; it’s challenging enough as it is,” he concluded.