Waratahs Coach Slams ‘Embarrassing’ Lack of Effort, Describes ‘Extremely Soft’ Moments

A rugby defeat by a score of 35-15 inevitably results in an array of video highlights for the coaching panel to dissect during Monday morning’s review session.

However, none will likely haunt Dan McKellar more than Richie Asiata’s try in the first half for the Queensland Reds.

“There were some really soft moments – that maul try was, frankly, embarrassing for everyone involved,” remarked NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar.

Indeed, the reserve hooker was fortunate as the Waratahs forward pack fell apart, leaving young halfback Teddy Wilson to confront the rampaging Queenslanders single-handedly.

While Taniela Tupou was not the sole offender, it was particularly noticeable that the star Wallabies recruit simply stood by as the Reds powered through to score.

“I think it’s a straightforward fix; we’ve just got to engage in the maul and stop it,” said Waratahs captain Hugh Sinclair.

“Yes, it’s certainly difficult to halt a rolling maul when you simply stand and watch,” McKellar – a former Queensland prop – lamented.

This was a surprising shift, especially since the NSW forwards had displayed impressive form with a strong 3-0 record to start the season, dominating the Reds in the initial 20 minutes at Suncorp Stadium.

However, a yellow card for fullback Andrew Kellaway due to a tip tackle on Wallabies’ captain Harry Wilson marked a significant turning point, leading to NSW’s first loss of the season.

NEW PODCAST! The panel discusses the repercussions of Nick Phipps’ controversial comments regarding the north vs south debate.

“At 21-8, we felt pretty good at halftime; we believed that if we executed our game plan, we could claw our way back into it,” McKellar commented.

“But we had a few weak moments, and if you give the Reds those opportunities, they will capitalise, especially on their home turf. I thought we were the stronger side in the first 20 minutes, but for the subsequent 60, they dominated. Ultimately, we got what we deserved.”

While it’s not all doom and gloom for the Waratahs, they now face another challenging fixture at home against the formidable ACT Brumbies.

Stephen Larkham’s squad would be eager to add more misery to a NSW team that made headlines during the off-season with its high-profile signings.

Wallabies stars Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Jake Gordon, and Lalakai Foketi all missed the clash with the Reds due to injury.

Centre Foketi has a chance to return against the Brumbies, but captain Gordon is definitely out with a knee injury, while fullback Suaalii’s availability remains uncertain as he begins running again following a toe issue.