5000 Waratahs supporters came out to Martin Place today to share the victory celebration after the Waratahs defeated the Crusaders on Saturday night to claim their first ever Super Rugby title.
New South Wales Premier Mike Baird was joined by the Waratahs coaching staff including head coach Michael Cheika and the Waratahs squad including captains Dave Dennis and Michael Hooper.
Premier Mike Baird was the first to extent his congratulations.
“It’s fantastic to welcome all of you to this very special day… New South Wales has waited a long time for a Super Rugby title and the good news is that those guys behind me – they did it! ”
“Well today we celebrate an amazing achievement. They knocked over those dreaded Crusaders. We beat the best to win the title and we deserve it … something very special happened for New South Wales and we celebrate that achievement today and to the boys – well done”
Cheika joked that some of the team members were lucky to make it to the occasion after their celebrations but went on to thank the fans for their support on Saturday night and throughout the year.
“I think what happened during the week in the build up to the game that the Crusaders suggested that going out to play the match at Homebush was a neutral oval was the biggest mistake they could have made because … out at Homebush with 62,000 people there – I think it really made the difference in the end having the crowd behind us.”
“It was an awesome experience so thanks to all the fans who came out on the night and who’ve been coming out all year and to everyone who’s come out today because as a player, as a coach the emotion you get when your being supported by your fan base in your home town is something absolutely indescribable and it pushes you to do things that you wouldn’t do normally and I think that’s what happened to us on Saturday night.
“Those extra couple of metres that Bernard Foley got with that last kick was probably due to the crowd. So thanks so much to everyone and we’re looking forward to getting together next year and playing some rugby.”
Injured captain Dave Dennis paid tribute to his team’s effort on Saturday night.
“I was just really overwhelmed by seeing 30 of my best mates and some really good people achieve something special that we’ve never been able to achieve before. It’s a team game and I’ve always played for the guys in my team and everyone has worked so hard. To see so much satisfaction is something I’ll always remember and is something I’m really proud of”
