The NSW Waratahs are going back to the drawing board to unlock their attack as they look to turn around last week's performance against the Highlanders.
The Waratahs were stifled in attack last weekend, going down 20-17 to the Western Force in Sydney.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
They made just one line break in 80 minutes as they were forced to make a mountain of tackles, close to 300, in the defeat.
Coach Dan McKellar showed his frustration post-match, saying they were 'squeezed to death', with playmaker Jack Debreczeni echoing the thoughts as they look to get the best out of the likes of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen.
“I think there's frustration across the whole team because we understand the attacking capabilities that we have across the park and then for whatever reason, and it's been different game to game, we haven't been able to unlock that probably to its full potential.," he said to reporters.
“It's an ongoing thing in attack. I find it's one of those ones that take a lot of time to build combinations, understanding and connection.
"...It's just how do we find space and how do we get the ball to space. It doesn't matter who is in those channels, that's the two areas we need to continue to get better at.”
The Waratahs sit eighth on the ladder, tied on points with the Highlanders and Fijian Drua, who they play over the next fortnight.
They sit five points behind the Brumbies in sixth, who they'll play following these matches.
"I know it's cliché as it might sound, but we just have to be all in on the Highlanders this week because if we're not, and you have an eye on the future, I think that's when you become a bit complacent and a team like that will hurt you," Debreczeni said.
"It's just been all eyes on Highlanders at Dunedin this week and how we can improve from our performance last week, which we know wasn't up to par."
It'll be a special occasion for Debreczeni, set for his 100th Super Rugby game after playing for the Melbourne Rebels, Chiefs and ACT Brumbies.
“It's a cool little milestone to reach and reflect on the journey and how you got to 100 games, being a part of some cool clubs," he added.
“I've got a lot of memories over the last 12-13 years so if I have the ability to reach that this weekend, then it's going to be pretty cool.”
