The Waratahs might be out of finals contention but defence coach Steve Tandy says they will find motivation from the bigger picture in the final three weeks of Super Rugby.
NSW’s finals hopes were all but certainly quashed after a loss to the Jaguares in Parramatta that left them eight points adrift of the conference-leading Brumbies.
The Waratahs have had to find motivation and focus in what has been a hugely distracting season, amid Israel Folau’s dismissal and more recently Tolu Latu’s looming court date.
With three games left, Tandy said the side’s focus turned more long-term, starting with a chance to push for World Cup spots with two derbies in upcoming weeks.
The Waratahs take on the Rebels on Friday night in Melbourne and there’ll be Wallabies match-ups across the park, adding an extra edge to the clash.
“I think it's about performance,” Tandy said.
“In fairness, there's been a lot around the group all year and i think they've managed it really well.
“(In) South Africa they were close games but it's a real tight knit group and they really respect and really love wearing the jersey around the Waratahs.
“Coming into derbies and obviously World Cup's around the corner and things - we've got to put a performance in and we want to go and beat the Rebels on the weekend.”
There will be at least one change to the Waratahs’ side to take on the Rebels with Karmichael Hunt set to miss the rest of the Super Rugby season with a knee injury.
Tandy said he was confident Lalakai Foketi could step up in Hunt's place.
"Obviously losing a player with that experience and his physical presence and what he brings during the week is obviously a big miss but then I thought Lalakai came on and did really well and I think he's been waiting on the wings to get his opportunity," he said.
"As much as it's pretty painful to not have Karmichael around the group, it brings other opportunities in and I think La's ready to go and I thought he did really well when he came on on the weekend."
In positive news for the Waratahs, backrower Jack Dempsey could be set for a return to the lineup after four weeks out with a back issue.
“Jack's back up and running. We'll have selection meeting - he trained last week. Again, it's a pretty competitive spot in the back row and second row so there's some selection headaches there, which is great for us.
“I think having a calibre of Demmo back is huge for us but I think the boys that are playing, are playing pretty well.
“You've got Swinto (Lachlan Swinton), you've got Hoops Michael Hooper), Michael Wells, you've got Will Miller - -there's a lot of boys in and around there.
“You've got Ned (Hanigan) who can slot back so i think that's a really competitive area for us as coaches to select the group.”
The waratahs take on the Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday May 31, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
