Beale says Waratahs will let it sing - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Beale says Waratahs will let it sing

Ben Horne 03/02/2011 07:37:17 PM Comments (0)

While the Waratahs aren't setting out to be the new entertainers of Super Rugby, fullback Kurtley Beale said NSW's slick backline is keen to `express themselves'.

After taking notice of how Queensland played to their backline strengths last season, Beale indicated the Waratahs were planning on showing off their attacking qualities this year.

NSW boast nearly an all-Wallabies backline. The likes of Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Rob Horne, Lachie Turner and Beale are players well in the frame for World Cup selection, and nothing's going to be left in reserve.

Confident he's found his home at No.15, Beale spoke of his team's try-scoring potential at the Waratahs' season launch on Thursday in Sydney.

"Obviously this year we've got the calibre of players, we've got the back up, we've got the depth to step up and do the job," said Beale, who says he's looked after himself much better than in past off-seasons.

"The Waratahs backline this year is very keen to get out there and express themselves.

"Obviously there's a lot of exciting players in the Waratahs backline and I think ... the coaching staff has seen that we can really express ourselves if we get really good ball.

"It's up to us now to take ownership of using the ball.

"When we get the opportunities we've got to take them, we can't just make mistakes and move onto the next job. We've got to take those opportunities as they come."

The Waratahs have traditionally played a very controlled game in the forwards and rely on their strength in the middle to win matches.

Beale's confidence indicates a slightly new approach in 2011, but don't expect the Waratahs to get too adventurous.

He denied they're aiming to emulate the Reds as the expanded competition's `entertainers'.

"No, I don't think so, we're just going to play footy and do our job," added Beale ahead of NSW's opening trial against Fiji Warriors at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday night.

"With the likes of Berrick Barnes and Rob Horne inside me, and then Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell, we don't know what we're going to do.

"Hopefully we can build that confidence and go out there and deliver on the field."

Captain Phil Waugh knows how often the Waratahs have failed to live up to expectation, and says it's up to the team to prove on the field that they can hold up that elusive Super rugby title.

NSW have been consistently competitive with the top teams over recent seasons and have kept their side from last year in tact, as well as adding some astute purchases.

However, after they were knocked out in the preliminary final last year, they need to find an extra gear.

Waugh was reluctant to fall into the trap of spruiking his side's chances, despite the quality of their squad.

"It's the same questions every year and it's probably the same promises as well," Waugh said.

"But the retention of players is important and it's a big year for rugby and hopefully with the conference system and the way things have panned out the last couple of years hopefully it'll be to our advantage."

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