With the competition leading Hurricanes at home in their semi, this weekend’s match between the Waratahs and the Highlanders could well be the Waratahs last home game of the season. It will also be the last home game for many Waratahs legends who are moving on next year. This could well be your last chance to see some of these Super Rugby winners in the sky blue.
Let’s take a look at some of the departing Waratahs players, what we’ll miss about them and re-live some of their finest moments.
Wycliff Palu
Wycliff Palu has earned 105 caps for the Waratahs over 10 years since joining the Waratahs in 2005. Injury has hindered some of Palu’s career but he has managed to stay relatively injury free over the past couple of seasons.
What we will miss most
Bone-crunching tackles and destructive runs.
Memorable Moment
Earl Rose from the Lions felt every bit of Palu’s impact when he attempted to tackle him back in 2010.
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Adam Ashley-Cooper joined the Waratahs in 2012 after a few years with the Brumbies and has played the majority of Waratahs games over the past four seasons.
Ashley-Cooper has been labelled Mr. Consistency due to his ability to perform week in week out which has certainly been important for the Waratahs. He will join French club Bordeaux after the Rugby World Cup.
What we will miss most
AAC’s big right arm fend to slice through the line.
Memorable Moment
Adam Ashley-Cooper has had plenty of memorable moments for the Waratahs over the years including a double in the Super Rugby final to help the Waratahs win the title but who could forget his gymnastic skills back in 2012.
Sekope Kepu
Sekope Kepu joined the Waratahs in 2008 and made his test debut in the same year. Kepu has become the first choice tighthead prop for both the Waratahs and Wallabies in recent years but has signed with Bordeaux for next season alongside Adam Ashley-Cooper.
What we will miss most
I’m sure all front-rowers out there will miss Kepu’s scrummaging the most.
Memorable Moment
Sekope Kepu will be remembered for his strong scrummaging and general play. Here is some footage of Kepu playing for the Wallabies at the end of 2013 displaying some powerful tackles and strong scrummaging.
Jacques Potgieter
Jacques Potgieter has affectionately been nicknamed ‘JacPot’ and has certainly been a crowd favourite in Sydney since joining the Waratahs in 2014.
Potgieter moved from the Bulls to join the Waratahs and will return back to South Africa to join the Sharks next season.
What we will miss most
His physicality, aggression and his willingness to throw himself around the field without any regard for his own safety.
Memorable Moment
Amongst many memorable moments for Jacques Potgieter, a great moment was when he scored a try against the Highlanders last year. Here is some footage of some of Potgieter’s best moments.
Brenden McKibbin
McKibbin has been with the Waratahs since 2011 and has earned 60 caps in that time. McKibbin has found himself as the backup halfback to Nick Phipps in recent years but has made the most of the game time he has had. Mckibbin will join London Irish at the end of the season.
What we will miss most
His bursts of energy as he comes on the field – often making a few darts.
Memorable Moment
A memorable moment for McKibbin came a couple of weeks ago when he scored under the posts against the Reds.
Peter Betham
Peter Betham returned to the Waratahs in 2012 after having a year with the Melbourne Rebels in 2011. He earned selection for the Wallabies in 2013 and played two tests. Betham will join the Leicester Tigers next season.
What we will miss most
His speed, athleticism and his ability to finish off tries.
Memorable Moment
Betham has scored plenty of tries in his career but his double earlier this year to help to Waratahs defeat the Hurricanes was certainly memorable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV2h4ArUgVM
Taqele Naiyaravoro
Naiyaravoro has had a breakout season in 2015 scoring eight tries this season. He has signed with the Glasgow Warriors for next season but if he is selected for the Wallabies then he may have an option to stay in Australia.
What we will miss most
Bouncing players off him whenever he makes a run.
Memorable Moment
Naiyaravoro has become known for shrugging people off but a memorable moment came this year when he put a big hit on Blues winger Frank Halai.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LIWUCFkwTQ
Jono Lance
Jono Lance joined the Waratahs in 2014 after being apart of the Reds successful 2011 side. Lance has not had too many opportunities for the Waratahs due to the competition within the backs but has been reliable whenever he is called upon. Lance is moving to the Western Force next year with the hope of getting more game time.
What we will miss most
His big tackles in defence.
Memorable Moment
Lance scored the Waratahs first try in round 19 last year against his former Reds team.
Michael Cheika
Cheika took over the Waratahs in 2013 and has transformed them into a Championship winning side. Daryl Gibson will take over as head coach of the Waratahs for next season as Cheika steps up as full time Wallabies coach.
What we will miss most
His honesty, belief in hard work and passion. Hopefully it won’t be missed as we will see him with the Wallabies.
Memorable Moment
Too many to choose from. Here are a couple below.
Who will you miss the most and what is your favourite moment from these players?
