Waratahs hope for oval boost

A BUMPER crowd at Brookvale Oval can not only help the Waratahs bury the Blues and the 36-game Kiwi hoodoo, it can also strengthen the case to play more games at suburban ovals.

That’s the view of Waratahs assistant coach Simon Cron, but the size of the crowd for NSW’s relocated game could still be affected by Northern Beaches Council, who are yet to rubberstamp a Shute Shield curtain-raiser at Brookvale Oval on Saturday.

The Waratahs will play the Auckland-based Blues on the northern beaches after Sydney FC booked out Allianz Stadium for a possible A-League final.

That plan became redundant with Sydney’s loss but the Waratahs aren’t complaining, with many seeing a buzzing Brookvale as a big asset in beating the Blues.

Plans for Warringah to play Souths ahead of the Waratahs’ game has been switched to Norths-Wests given the Rats have a massive Juniors Day.

But despite the rare chance for community rugby and Super Rugby to share a stage – which would attract a big crowd – Northern Beaches Council have concerns about playing two games on the field.

NSW prop Paddy Ryan called on his bosses to play more Waratahs games at club venues when Allianz Stadium is being rebuilt and the commercial success – or otherwise – of the Brookvale Oval game will inform NSW powerbrokers.