The NSW Waratahs are gearing up for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Super Rugby Pacific season, as they prepare to take on the Queensland Reds in Round 5 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday night.
The next day, on Sunday at Ballymore, the NSW Waratahs Women will also play the Queensland Reds in their Round 3 Super Rugby Women's fixture.
While the NSW Waratahs men have an undefeated record so far in 2025 following their 34-10 Round 3 win against the Western Force in Sydney last Saturday, Assistant Coach (Defence) Locky McCaffrey and Wallabies back Andrew Kellaway fully understand the challenge that awaits them in Brisbane.
Despite the Reds falling to the Crusaders last Sunday, NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar still rates the Reds as the best team in the competition.
It was a sentiment echoed by McCaffrey after the NSW Waratahs trained on Tuesday, while Kellaway believes the Reds are potentially lethal if unchecked.
McCaffrey was pleased with the NSW Waratahs’ defence last week. He highlighted their growing cohesion and commitment to effort across the park.
“All teams are putting on points in the early rounds, but the boys did a really good job against a dangerous Force attack,” McCaffrey said.
“Every week, our effort is getting better on both sides of the ball. It’s not perfect yet, but we’re seeing the hard work pay off.”
Looking ahead, McCaffrey remains firm in his belief that defence will be the cornerstone of the NSW Waratahs’ championship aspirations.
“We're really clear on what we want to look like defensively—hard-working and tough,” McCaffrey said.
“You look at top competitions worldwide, and defence wins premierships. That’s our focus,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kellaway isn’t downplaying the significance of the Reds rivalry.
“You don’t need to be playing for New South Wales to understand how big this rivalry is,” Kellaway said.
“Just being from here is enough to feel it. To be back and a part of it is really exciting.”
Kellaway acknowledged the Reds threat, particularly through their forward pack and offload style.
“The Reds are a very strong side, especially when they get their game going,” Kellaway said.
“If they get [Harry] Wilson, [Fraser) McReight, and [Angus] Blyth rolling through the middle, they’re as good as anyone.
“They’ve been together for a while. We’re still building, so this will be a huge test for us.”
Despite sitting unbeaten after four rounds (including a bye), Kellaway says the NSW Waratahs are not getting ahead of themselves.
“I don’t think we’re the best team in the comp just because we haven’t lost yet,” he said.
“That’s not how you measure it. The Reds have more runs on the board than us, and they’ll be coming out absolutely fizzing this weekend.”
McCaffrey and Kellaway both expressed confidence in the team’s bench and the power they produce as explosive game finishers.
“Our bench has had a huge impact in the first three rounds,” McCaffrey said.
“We’ve got a lot of competition in the squad, and Dan [McKellar] trusts every player to step up if needed.”
Kellaway echoed the view, pointing to the rise of players like Henry O’Donnell and Triston Reilly as evidence of the team’s ability to fill gaps seamlessly.
“Henry came in against Fiji out of nowhere, and he’s been outstanding.,” Kellaway said.
“Triston came off the bench last week and was electric. I have full confidence in the next-man-up mentality,” Kellaway said.
The NSW Waratahs will be looking to continue their winning streak and take home the Bob Templeton Cup, a trophy that underscores the fierce and historic rivalry between the two states.
The overall series record is evenly poised with both teams having won the Bob Templeton Cup twenty times and drawn once from 41 encounters.
With the Reds having averaged 35-plus points a game at home last season and having a 50-point haul in their only home match at Suncorp this season, defence will be absolutely vital for the NSW Waratahs on Saturday night.
“There’s no point flying up there if you’re not expecting a real battle,” McCaffrey said.
“The Reds love playing on the front foot, and if you let guys like Tate McDermott and Harry Wilson dictate terms, they’ll punish you.
"We have to be ready.”
When: Saturday 15 March, 2025
Where: At Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 7.35 pm (AEDT)
The game will be televised LIVE on 9Gem and Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
