'Tahs a work in progress

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie is confident his side remains on target for a brighter 2008 despite their disappointing last-gasp loss at the hands of the Chiefs.

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie is confident his side remains on target for a brighter 2008 despite their disappointing loss at the hands of the Chiefs last week.

McKenzie conceded basic skill errors at crucial times cost his side dearly in the 17-20 defeat against the men from Hamilton.

But the former Wallaby prop said he was not surprised by his player's untimely mistakes labelling the 'Tahs a “work in progress”.

“I think the fact that we're able to generate opportunities – I'm looking at how we're doing it and we're making inroads, we're making dents and we're making holes – finishing off that there's a patience issue there,” McKenzie told Sportal.

“We've got an excitable bunch, we've got a bunch of guys who obviously (went through) lean times last year so in the end there's an anxiety about scoring.”

McKenzie conceded the Highlanders' formidable pack would present a significant challenge on Saturday night but called on his men to employ brain and brawn in equal measure.

“There's no doubt that they've got one of the biggest forward packs in the competition and playing with purpose is certainly important but you've got to play with your nous as well,” he said.

“You've got to make sure that you're smart about how you play these sorts of games so we're the team travelling and we've got to make sure we get that bit right.”

“But everyone's aware they've got a big scrum and some very good ball carriers and they've got maybe four of five of the guys in the competition so far that are making the most inroads in terms of ball carries.”

“So they're actually a threatening side in that respect so there's a bit of work for us but so far we've made the most tackles in the competition so we're pretty tuned up there and that's probably important for this game.”