'Tahs want to improve on line-outs

Editor

The Waratahs believe the line-out battle will be a key factor in Saturday's clash against the Stormers in Sydney.

The Waratahs believe the line-out battle will be a key factor in Saturday's clash against the Stormers in Sydney.

The Sydneysiders improved on the set-piece in last weekend's 72-10 victory over the Kings after a below par showing against the Bulls in their previous match.

But coach Michael Cheika knows that his charges' line-out work will have to be even better against the Stormers who are set to start with their Springbok locks, Andries Bekker and Eben Etzebeth, for the first time this season.

''We're going to have to work on it even more with a massive line-out coming to confront us on Saturday,'' Cheika told AAP.

Stormers boss Allister Coetzee confirmed that Etzebeth would replace De Kock Steenkamp, who suffered a sternum injury in their loss to the Blues.

''Eben did well against the Blues, in his first appearance of the 2013 Super Rugby season,'' he said.

''We're looking forward to him adding more value as the tour progresses.''

The former Springbok assistant coach said the 'Tahs demolition of the Kings showed that they are a dangerous side.

''They showed their intent to dominate,” added Coetzee.

“They're a good side. ''[But] we won't be changing anything in our preparation this week.

“We will ensure we're more accurate at training, to help with our game-day execution.''