Waratahs wary of potent Highlanders backline

THE Waratahs have become used to letting other teams worry about how to stop their high-octane attack over the last three years, but in Saturday’s Super Rugby semifinal the boot will be on the other foot.

The Highlanders have hit form at just the right time and will arrive in Sydney charged with confidence after edging the Chiefs in Dunedin last weekend.

All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith confirmed he was in the form of his life by setting up both tries for Waisake Naholo, who leads in Super Rugby tries scored (11) this season.

In addition to that potent duo, the Highlanders’ backline also boasts another powerful winger in Patrick Osborne as well as the explosive running of All Blacks Ben Smith and Malakai Fekitoa.

Waratahs assistant coach Daryl Gibson is well aware the reigning champions will have their work cut out.

“They are a very impressive team. They play a high-speed, high-tempo game,” the former All Blacks centre said. He will take over as head coach next year.

“They have plenty of threats, and I think Aaron Smith is probably playing some of the best rugby of his career.

“Across the field they pose a lot of danger, so it’s going to be a difficult game for us. I think we need to try to put the brakes on them, try to slow them down, and try to dictate the tempo for the game that we want to play,” Gibson said.

He is hoping conditions underfoot at the Sydney Football Stadium, which will not be as quick as the Highlanders’ indoor pitch in Dunedin, might help slow the Highlanders down.

As for containing Aaron Smith, Gibson suggested the best way to stop the livewire halfback was for the Waratahs’ pack to cut off his supply of clean ball at source.

“What we’ve got to try and do is target the whole team, and have a real team approach.

“I think our defence is getting much better. Coming into the finals, we know how important it is to be rock solid there,” Gibson said.

The Hurricanes host the Brumbies in another trans-Tasman Sea clash earlier on Saturday to decide the other finalist. – Reuters