Super Rugby
Why Gibson is Stepping Away from the Waratahs
It was confirmed earlier today that Daryl Gibson would be walking away from the Waratahs and he has had his say on why
Daryl Gibson has taken some time to explain his decision to resign from the Waratahs and has admitted he doesn’t know where he will go next.
Gibson had a year left on his current contract with the Waratahs but believes that the talent coming up through the franchises ranks need a new coach to bring them on.
“We’ve got some absolute gold nuggets here that are going to filter through our system over the next three to four years and it’s time for another coach to take them on that journey and really own that process. Having been here for seven years, it’s time for a new voice, a new direction, a new game style as new players come into the team,” he said.
Of the 28 Wallabies to compete in the World U20 Championship final, 12 come from the Waratahs.
Gibson also insisted that the Israel Folau situation was not a contributing factor in his departure, however, he did admit that it had affected him personally.
“Obviously Israel’s had an incredible impact not only off the field but also on the field. We lost the highest try-scorer in the history of the competition and that has an impact, particularly on the (reduced) number of tries we scored during the season. It’s been a challenging period leading people through that. The time taken up and invested in that has taken away from rugby and focusing on it. I’m certainly challenged by that situation. I’m really proud of how the team’s responded to that situation but it has been tiring,” he added.
The former All Black then admitted he was entering the “totally unknown” and has not ruled out working with Michael Cheika again in the future.
“But I’m excited about that opportunity. I love coaching. I love being in rugby so there’ll be something there,” he finished.
Gibson’s time with the Waratahs was largely unsuccessful since taking over from former coach Cheika, with the side winning only 28 of the 64 games he has taken charge of.
The franchise will finish the Super Rugby season in 12th and will now need to find a replacement that can bring through the youth and bring success.
The Crusaders have named their side to face the Waratahs in Round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific ’23.
It’s the team’s last home game of the regular season before we get into finals. Kick off is Saturday at 4.35pm.
Codie Taylor takes up captaincy with Scott Barrett making the most of a rest week before some big showdowns. He’s joined in the front row by Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Tamaiti Williams.
Sam Whitelock returns this week, itching to take the field after a few weeks sidelined by injury. Both Codie Taylor and Scott Robertson spoke on Thursday morning about looking forward to having his leadership and wisdom back on the grass.
The dynamic duo of Mitch Drummond and Richie Mo’unga return at halfback and first five, their routine well-polished by now.
Look for some antics and acrobatics from Leicester Fainga’anuku and Dallas McLeod on the left and right wings, and a safe pair of hands at the rear with Fergus Burke as fullback.
Reuben O’Neill is set to make his Crusaders debut off the bench this week, the current Taranaki and former Chiefs player bolstering the front row stocks. He’s slotted in well with the team during trainings, Robertson saying he was “familiar to us” and helped relieve the burden on a front row depleted by injury. Brodie McAlister and Seb Calder make up the rest of the replacement front row.
The Crusaders go into this one second on the table, the Waratahs in sixth. There’s no discounting an Aussie side still within reach of a home quarter if the cards fall right for them. Expect a big contest.
Content & Images from – Crusaders Rugby
The Highlanders will use the last home game of the year against the Reds on Friday 26th May to farewell Aaron Smith – their most capped player ever. All things going to plan Smith should play his 184th game against the Reds.
Smith joined the club in 2011 at the behest of the then new Highlander’s coach, Jamie Joseph, having previously been in the Blues wider training group, the rest as they say is history.
Widely recognised as one of the best halfbacks in the game his performances over the years have left fans, fellow players and the media in awe of his consistency, energy, skill level and competitiveness.
However, all good things come to an end and on Friday 26th May at 7.05pm Smith will suit up in his Highlanders jersey and run out of the stadium tunnel to be greeted by a home crowd for the last time, from next year he is signed to play in the Japanese League.
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark appreciates it will be a significant moment in the club’s history.
“Aaron has given so much to the club and rugby public in this region. Saying good-bye is not a moment that many will be looking forward to, but he so richly deserves this one last opportunity to sign off an amazing Highlanders career in front of his home crowd. No doubt It will be a very special occasion for Aaron, Teagan and his children Luka and Leo, we hope it will be a night to remember for all.”
Head Coach Clarke Dermody acknowledges it will be an extra special night for his All-Black halfback.
“He’s been leading our team around the park for the last decade or so and he epitomises everything that a professional player should be – always prepared, highly skilled, competitive, and passionate about his team. He deserves all the recognition he gets, and he has worked very hard for it. Knowing Aaron, he will treat it like any other week, go through his routines, preparing accurately and give it his best on the night. I know I won’t be alone in reflecting on his enormous contribution to rugby in our region as his last home game comes to an end.”
Fans will have another opportunity to watch the master in action when the Highlanders take on the Rebels this Saturday at 4.35pm.
Book your seat to witness history here
ENDS
Content & Images from – Highlanders Rugby
Quin Strange, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie and Cullen Grace round out the back five. Earlier in the week veteran prop Joe Moody said, “we know we have the power throughout our back give, so…we need to keep the front row up so we can utilise that power”. Expect a big push through these guys, hoping to reap rewards.
Mitchell Drummond resumes his starting position at halfback after Noah Hotham started last week. The youngest ever player to clock 100 games for the franchise, Drummond brings maturity and huge experience. He lines up alongside Richie Mo’unga. When these two long-term team mates are on the field together, intuition is high.
Leicester Fainga’anuku runs the left wing, Dallas McLeod runs the right. These guys are a different breed, so keep an eye out for straight line breaks and aerial acrobatics.
David Havili and Braydon Ennor round out the centre, with playmaker Will Jordan in fullback for his second start of the season.
There you have it. All that’s left is the anticipation of kick off. Crusaders v Blues. The showdown is on.
Will you be there?
Content & Images from – Crusaders Rugby
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