Waratahs keen to build up a fortress

IN the space of two seasons, the Waratahs’ perfect home winning record has plunged to 50 per cent and they are determined to restore Allianz Stadium to the “fortress” status of their premiership-winning 2014 campaign.

NSW won just four of eight home games last year, compared to their flawless 10 from 10 in 2014 on their march to the famous title win.

It is virtually impossible to win the premiership with a 50 per cent winning record at home and as they prepare to kick off the 2017 season against the Western Force at Allianz Stadium tonight, prop Sekope Kepu issued a strong declaration.

“One of our goals is to make this a fortress and bring back the home-ground advantage,” he said.

“And just the supporters, our fans, reaching out to them in the way we want to play and just giving that excitement for them to come back and watch us week in, week out when we’re at home.”

NSW also hosted the Force in Round 1 in 2015 and despite being champions, were beaten 25-13 by the Perth side. They went on to lose three home games that year including the semi-final to eventual champions the Highlanders.

“In 2015, that was my last memory of playing here at the start of the season and it wasn’t a good result,” Kepu said.

“But that’s two years ago, that’s done and dusted, this is a new group of men and a new coach and I’m just excited.”

Meanwhile, there has been a surprised reaction to the Force naming star recruit and former NSW hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau on the bench.

Heath Tessman has been named as captain and will start ahead of the 68-Test veteran, a move Waratahs forwards coach Cameron Blades was reticent to dissect.

“I have no idea, I’m not in their system, I don’t know what’s going on over there,” Blades said.