Reds fly-half Quade Cooper has paid the Waratahs a compliment ahead of the clash between the sides, saying their flamboyant style impresses him.
Back in 2009 the outspoken star called the 'Tahs "boring" - but following the recruitment of Israel Folau, he reckons they have changed their style.
"In their past they've been a very conservative side and now they're looking to open up a little bit more and show a more flamboyant style, and it's suiting the players that they have recruited," he told AAP.
"Their pack is a great pack and now having good backs out wide bringing that balance is working for them.
"If a team only has a good forward pack it is very limited as to what it can do.
"Rather than concentrate on their forward pack you (as an opponent) have to start looking at their backs now as well."
Rugby league convert Folau is set to play a major role in the new brand being played by the Waratahs, with fellow new signing, flank Michael Hooper, also a marquee signing for 2013.
Cooper believes the 'Tahs' recruitment and squad this season will create a classic clash.
"It's great for rugby," he added.
"The more that teams play a positive mindset in games, it's going to be a whole lot better for the spectators and for the entertainment brand of rugby."
Comments
oldschool says...
@georgesmith
Phil Waugh average??
Someone who sits one rung below the likes of McCaw - a great - at test level can hardly be called average. Couple that with a burning passion - someone who bleeds blue and is willing to do whatever it takes, at whatever cost, for the NSW cause - and I give you one of the greatest to ever don the sky blue. In his time as leader he carried forward the ethos from the great NSW teams of the past - players like this are irreplaceable - it is not simply about what they offer on the park.
You must be a back. And you certainly cannot be from NSW.
Posted 02:16 20th February 2013
IronManI441 says...
I don't think QC is having a go at Deans. I think he is stating the obvious and making a complimentary remark about a rival. That's all. The guys is probably trying to mend some fences with those comments. Of course some people will read into everything.
Posted 12:14 19th February 2013
Trinats2 says...
"In their past they've been a very conservative side "
Cooper having a go at Deans ??? After all, the Tahs is what Deans structured his game plan around !!!
Posted 08:12 19th February 2013
georgesmith says...
Tahs just don't have players all over the park to win the title unless I. Folau can consistently score 2-3 every game. I beg to defer from Q. Cooper regarding his assessment of the forwards. I think the problem has always been the Tahs forward pack plus the 9/10 combination. D. Halangahu was clearly not super rugby material but he was still being picked year after year just like some other Waratahs. Tahs never had a quality number 7. P.Waugh was average and a guy like B. Robinson, who could have made a difference was kept on the bench mostly. Then we still have under performers like D. Dennis and W. Palu. Another one is T.P. Nau, who really becomes terrible in certain games.
Posted 07:48 19th February 2013