Super Rugby winner and qualified nurse handed Waratahs debut

“Kels’ training was fantastic, we caught up again at the start of the week. Naturally he was disappointed, but how he handled it, carried himself and led the under-23 group was outstanding,” said McKellar.

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“We thought he was a little bit underwhelmed after the spring tour and the very, very short break he had. He had a little bit of a knee problem as well, so we wanted to fix that and give him some time, so there are good signs there.”

Although Friday’s opponents Drua lost their first game at home to Moana Pacifica 40-26, the Waratahs will need to improve their ability to capitalize on attacking opportunities.

“Rugby is a game where there is a fight for position with every tackle,” McKellar said. “You’ve got a team of 15 people trying to stop you crossing the line. We’ve got to be better and there’s no doubt that sometimes you [also] “I have to admit that good defense sometimes wins.”