Waratahs winger Cam Clark says NSW was given a wake-up call against the Lions, as they embark on four-week block of Kiwi matches, starting with the Blues.
They'll be looking to break a near two-year drought against New Zealand teams when they host the Blues at Brookvale Oval and Clark said their 29-0 shock against the Lions would be instrumental in helping them turn things around.
“It was just a good indication of where we're at at the moment and we definitely have areas we need to fix and improve on,” he said.
“It was definitely a good thing at stage of the season, we got a wake-up call and I think we've worked really well this last couple of weeks to hopefully try and nullify some of those areas and hopefully it'll be a more solid performance this weekend.”
The Waratahs are favourites going up against the struggling Blues, but Clark said they couldn’t read into any of that media.
“We don't look into that too much but we'll be confident going into any game that we're playing,” he said.
“We've got strong belief with in the group and we know if we stick to our processes and do the things well that we know we can do, I'm sure it'll take care of itself.”
The Blues match is the first of a month-long stretch of New Zealand teams, and Clark admitted it would be a critical clash for the Waratahs.
“(It’s a) massive period for our team coming up,” Clark said.
“It’s a great place to get on a roll after the bye.
“The Blues will be a very tough opposition, welcoming back a couple of big players for them as well this week so I'm sure it'll be a very tough game and hopefully we put in and stick to what we've been doing well this year and put in a solid performance.”
Clark will have his first start of 2018 in the match, and the Northern Beaches local said he was keen to finally have a run on the Manly ground.
“It’s great to get out to little suburban grounds like this, crowd are right on top of you and I'm sure all the guys are really excited to get out there and give it ago,” he said.
“I'm excited, it’s the first start for me this year, can't wait to get out there and the Blues offer a lot of threats across the park as well, so it's going to be a big challenge and really looking forward to it.
“It just an opportunity at the moment, but for me I've got to go out there and make the most of it.
“(I'm) not going to treat it too differently to any other game, just go out there and do what I know how to do, stick to my strengths and hopefully put in a good performance.”
The Waratahs are hoping for at least 14,000 at Brookvale Oval, and are encouraging fans to buy their tickets before match day.
The Waratahs host the Blues at Brookvale Oval on Saturday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
