Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has thrown his support behind replacement Hugh Roach, ahead of the vital clash with the Cheetahs.
The Tahs are hanging onto top spot in Australian Conference by a thread and will again be without Polota-Nau, who will spend another week on the sidelines due to concussion.
His absence handing Roach just his second-ever start.
“What he lacks in size he makes up for in speed and it’s just great to have around the squad,” Polota-Nau said.
“Don’t be surprised when he goes in for a few meat pies (tries) because his speed around the park is just outstanding.”
The 29-year old hasn’t featured for five weeks because of a series of head knocks, leading some to call for him to hang up his boots and retire immediately.
“Everyone has got an opinion but at the same time, I am just making sure I can do the job to the best of my ability to make sure the team gets to the goal.”
The 50-Test veteran is now symptom free though and is back into full contact training with an eye on a Wallabies berth for the World Cup.
“The goal is World Cup selection but in order to do that I just have to take baby steps, get myself right and hopefully everything will fall into place.”
The Waratahs have lost their last three games against the Cheetahs, although the Tahs haven’t been on the end of back-to-back defeats since May 2013.
