Waratahs' 'odd couple' reunited for milestone

Thu, Apr 28, 2016, 8:16 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman

They're the Waratahs ‘odd couple’ but Dave Dennis and Tatafu Polota-Nau have forged out similar pathways to Super Rugby.

They faced off as teenagers in Western Sydney schools competition, Dennis in the second row and Polota-Nau playing at fly half.

“It’s like the odd couple back in the 70’s that show,” he said.

“He gets the glory while I do the behind the scenes work. He’s been great.

“It’s funny we started in the school region together played against each other i played 10 he played second row at Nepean (College).

“It’s quite odd how we first met.”

A bit has changed since then, with Polota-Nau switching to the front row, playing hooker for the Waratahs and Wallabies.

Their tandem journeys will end this season as Dennis heads to the Exeter Chiefs but the pair were able to share another milestone just last week.

Polota-Nau returned from an arm injury for Dennis’s 100th match for the Waratahs and the hooker said it was significant to be part of his milestone game, against the Force.

“It was great to be a part of his milestone and just to be back rather than sitting on the sidelines watching eagerly cheering the boys on,” he said.

“Hopefully I’ll get a few more minutes and it’s a matter of getting a bit more confidence with my arm as well.”

Polota-Nau said patience would be critical for the Waratahs as they look to build on their drought-breaking win over the Force last weekend.

“It’s been a waiting game in terms of finally putting it on the field but it’s not to say we haven’t been far off it’s just a matter of being patient and executing at the critical moment,” he said.

“It’s great to see it happen the previous Saturday against the Force.

“It’s pretty much pertaining that into this game against the Stormers, it’ll take a lot of patience to break their defensive line with them letting in the fewest tries this season.

“We just need to make sure with our training and prep we make things patient.”

The Waratahs take on the Stormers in Cape Town at 3:15am Sunday morning (AEST).

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