McKenzie wary of Sharks' pack
March 01, 2005 Edition 1
Zayn Nabbi
The New South Wales Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie has not written off the Sharks light-weight pack ahead of his team's clash with the South African franchise at the Absa stadium in Durban on Saturday night.
Speaking at the Waratahs' practice the former Wallaby prop-forward said: "They might be a lightweight pack by South African standards but we've looked at their weights and I'm not going to write them off.
"The Sharks will be a better side than the team that played the Stormers. The scoreline, which saw the Stormers score three tries to two is pretty reflective of the type of game," said McKenzie about the all South African derby. "Playing at home Kevin Putt is going to be pretty desperate for win and that is no different for us."
Although, McKenzie was being diplomatic in his responses it is known that the Waratahs fancy their chances at dominating the Sharks in the set pieces.
They have internationals Alastair Baxter and Matt Dunning as starting props and a second row which is arguably the best combination in the Super 12 comprising Wallabies Justin Harrison and Daniel Vickerman, the former South African under-21.
Vickerman and Harrison are a very effective duo and it is a hooker's pleasure to feed a lineout with those two giants soaring in the air.
This facet of play will especially be watched with interest with the Sharks relying heavily on Albert van den Berg to win the majority of their lineout ball against the Stormers.
This weekend the 'Tahs will be forced into making one change to their loose-trio with flank Phil Waugh doing duty at Twickenham for the tsunami benefit match. His replacement has not been picked yet, but Mckenzie will either choose Lei Tomiki, Rocky Elsom or Stephen Hoiles on the open side.
Although, New South Wales will miss the omnipresent Waugh in the tight-loose they will be unleashing monster tight-flanker Wycliff Palu for the second week.
In another possible change centre Gcobani Bobo may be given compassionate leave after his brother passed away at the weekend.
