Waratahs out to restore fortress Allianz as stadium debate gets ugly

News - AU Rugby

Waratahs out to restore fortress Allianz as stadium debate gets ugly

ESPN staff and AAP

April 12, 2016

© Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Backline linchpin Kurtley Beale is almost certain to start as NSW Waratahs attempt to restore their strong home presence against bitter rivals the Brumbies this weekend.

Once an impenetrable fortress, the Waratahs have lost two straight home games for the first time in four years to be walking the finals tightrope less than halfway through the 2016 season.

They are also contending with the distraction that has become Sydney's ugly stadium debate, a situation that earlier this week saw them form a united front with fellow Allianz Stadium tenants, Sydney Roosters and Sydney FC, in opposition to the State Government's plan to build a new stadium on the existing site, thus leaving the three clubs without a home for four years.

On the field, the Waratahs last suffered three successive defeats on their home turf back in 2007 - during a dreadful campaign in which they finished second-last - and know they must bounce back against the Brumbies or all but kiss their title hopes goodbye.

"You must win the games at home and you particularly must win the games at home against the other Aussie teams," veteran lock Dean Mumm said on Tuesday.

Back-to-back losses at their Moore Park base to the Highlanders and Melbourne Rebels are most uncharacteristic of the Tahs.

A perfect 10-from-10 home record was the bedrock of their 2014 championship triumph, while the Waratahs also went through 2011, 2010 and 2018 seasons unbeaten in Sydney.

All up, the Tahs boast an 83 per cent strike rate at home over the past eight years.

© Jason McCawley/Getty Images

But if they slip up for a second time against the Brumbies - after going down 32-15 in the national capital in round two - the Waratahs will fall at least two wins behind Australia's conference leaders.

"We can't afford it. It's a game against a team in your own conference so they're even more important to win," Mumm said.

"But it's a huge game for us. It's the start of a good run of games but you're only as good as the result this weekend against the team that's leading our conference."

Two byes in the opening seven rounds haven't helped the Waratahs to find any momentum but with seven straight games without a break, Mumm - fittingly just days after the Masters - used a golfing analogy to explain how they'd look to reignite their season.

"We've probably dropped a few shots on the front nine and we're looking to pick up a few on the back," he said.

The Waratahs badly missed Beale in their disjointed display against the Rebels with an elbow injury but he is likely to be named to face the Brumbies after completing training on Tuesday without a hitch.

"Kurtley, if he continues to get through (sessions), then hopefully he'll be available for selection," said assistant coach Cameron Blades.

"They'll assess him after today's (Tuesday) training but he certainly got through that one reasonably well."

© ESPN staff and AAP

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Waratahs out to restore fortress Allianz as stadium debate gets ugly