'Systemic issues': Waratahs coach McKellar, captain Gordon unload after Crusaders defeat

Fri, May 16, 2025, 12:25 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar and captain Jake Gordon agree that serious changes are needed at the club after a brutal defeat to the Crusaders.

McKellar didn't hold back after a lacklustre first-half performance saw them trail 31-7 at the break.

Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

The Waratahs rallied but lost 48-33, leaving the coach fuming.

Their final hopes are hanging on by a thread, but McKellar's focus was on implementing change.

"I've been here a while now, a number of months now and I think there's some things it's going to take time to change. There are some people who are too comfortable. That needs to change," McKellar said.

"If you're too comfortable, just happy to be here and wear the tracksuit. That will change. 

"We showed some fight in the second half but you can't get to 33-7 at half time and get a spray from the coach to then get a reaction. This is a professional game. We've got to be like that from the very first minute.

"I've got to figure it out. People need to buy into the change. Otherwise we'll change other things."

Captain Jake Gordon agreed there are problems that need fixing if they are to avoid a similar fate in 2026.

"Results speak for themselves. There have been systemic issues for a bit of time now," Gordon said.

"We knew that was going to take time, I've spoken to Dan about this before. There's been issues for a while and that takes time to change. It's just disappointing.

"...This is the worst (I've felt) because we're a better team than that."

It leaves McKellar looking at the situation across the board heading into next year, with a host of players already leaving Daceyville at the end of the season.

"It's more than just a weekly thing here. This is a change that we need to make that will set the organisation and the group up for years to come," he added.

"It's the whole organisation."

Share
LIVE: Queensland Reds battle Crusaders to kick-start finals
Struggling Stade Francais host Castres on Saturday with their place in the French Top 14 on the line in the final round of the regular season. Photo: Getty Images
14-time champions Stade Francais struggling for Top 14 survival after 'rubbish' season
Reds captain Tate McDermott...read for Qualifying Final in Christchurch
Reds vs Crusaders: Two Proud Cultures Defined by More Than Rugby In Earthquakes and Floods
Road to England: Looking at the Wallaroos' loose forward options ahead of Rugby World Cup