The NSW Waratahs still feel the heat of 'Brumbies week', however, admit they need to keep the focus inwards if they wish to turn around their season.
Darren Coleman's men had not beaten their ACT counterparts in their last 10 encounters, leading Brumbies chairman Matt Nobbs to declare the rivalry dead.
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This stung Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon, who brushed off these claims as they look to make up for their emotional round one defeat.
“Yeah that probably stings a little hearing that but that’s up to us to perform better," Gordon said to reporters.
“The Chairman can think whatever he wants that’s fine...Emotionally, the round one game was a massive one for us, not saying this one isn’t but we need to really focus on ourselves
“We can’t get too caught up in the Brumby-Tah week, whatever they call it, we need to focus on ourselves and play some good Rugby.
"We’ve had glimpses of that this year like the Drua game and we defended well last week but we haven’t been able to do that consistency.”
Gordon re-committed to the Waratahs until 2025, the latest core Waratah to lock down their future.
He admits the change of Wallabies coaches caused 'anxiety' during the decision-making process before eventually reaffirming his desire to stay in NSW.
“It was a little bit tricky. I was in discussions with Dave (Rennie) when he was here and then when Eddie was appointed I definitely spoke to my manager about overseas options,” Gordon explained.
“I was very clear with that happening that I wanted to stay. It was more just if Eddie didn’t want me and the anxiety around that but luckily he does. I love playing for the Waratahs and love living in Sydney.
“We saw (Eddie) first round when he was in here for the Brumbies and had a chat then…I haven’t had much chat with Eddie but I’m sure there will be some soon.”
