The Waratahs would have killed for a win of any kind last year. Under new coach Dan McKellar, they’re doing a great job of collecting victories at home so far in 2025.
But it’s ongoing failure to win on the road that is stalling the Waratahs’ plans on moving up the ladder. Their hopes of playing finals in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific tournament is being heavily damaged because of the futility away from Sydney.
Their latest setback – a 28-14 loss to the Drua in Lautoka on Saturday – continues a mediocre trend on the road. All four of the Waratahs’ away games this year, against the Reds, Hurricanes, Moana Pasifika and now the Drua, have ended in underwhelming losses by an average margin of 24 points.
It’s hard to be too critical given the Waratahs managed just two wins in 2024 and have already banked five at home, but things keep going wrong whenever travel is involved.
The trend stretches back to last year. NSW have now chalked up nine consecutive road defeats.
The last time that happened – across the 1996 and 1997 seasons – Angus Bell’s father, Mark, was playing for the Waratahs.
NSW skipper Hugh Sinclair addressed the issue after a match which saw the Waratahs trail 13-0 and never truly threaten to hosts. As of Saturday afternoon, the Waratahs remained fifth on the ladder, but could be leapfrogged by other sides.
“A lot more pleased with that result than some of the other away games. We stayed in that fight the whole game,” Sinclair said. “It’s probably the toughest away trip you’re going to do.
“You’ve got to win away from home if you’re going to go deep in the comp. We haven’t done that so far.”
At the post-match press conference, which lasted less than two minutes, an unassuming Fijian reporter bore the brunt of McKellar’s frustration.
“You seem disappointed with the result today,” the reporter said, as McKellar began to digest a performance that included 37 missed tackles and a late penalty try that denied his side a bonus point.
“Are we disappointed? Are we disappointed?” McKellar shot back. “What do you think? What would you think? Yes, we are disappointed.
“Too many errors, too many turnovers, which the Drua thrive on. We didn’t help ourselves.”
The Waratahs have three of their next five games away from home – against the Brumbies (May 3), Western Force (May 24) and Blues (May 31).
In an 11-team competition, only six qualify for the finals. If the Waratahs can’t fix their dismal away record, they’ll be on “Mad Monday” in the first week of June.
The decision to rest Bell, Rob Leota and Taniela Tupou for the Drua clash raised eyebrows, particularly with a bye to follow. But it does ensure fresher bodies for a rematch with the Brumbies – a team the Waratahs beat 28-23 earlier in the season in Sydney.
Would they have won if the trio played? It’s impossible to know, but Leota’s presence would have helped, particularly given Waratahs No.6 Jamie Adamson missed five tackles and committed several handling errors.
The Drua adapted to the warm conditions better, churning out 465 more metres than the Waratahs (617 to 152). Even Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who was the only NSW player to run for over 100 metres in last week’s magnificent win against the Chiefs, was limited to 29 metres.
Next up is McKellar’s first visit back to Canberra since he was in charge of the Brumbies. He’ll be desperate to spark a side still clinging to finals hopes.
Another loss on the road, and you’d have to be brave to ask McKellar if he was disappointed.
