Waratahs’ Flyhalf Conundrum: A Search for a Championship Spark
In Australian rugby, the number 10 jersey for the NSW Waratahs carries a weight of expectation. It’s a position that, much like a referee, is best when it goes unnoticed. If the flyhalf can exit a match without being the main topic of conversation, it’s often a sign of a job well done. This quiet efficiency was precisely what Lawson Creighton demonstrated in his opening performance against the Queensland Reds. While the spotlight, deservedly, shone brightly on rising star Max Jorgensen, Creighton’s understated contribution didn’t indicate a lack of skill, but rather a successful integration into the team’s broader success.
Creighton’s adeptness was particularly evident in a crucial moment in the 49th minute. Faced with a challenging pass from centre Joey Walton, Creighton displayed remarkable dexterity. With his left hand, he expertly batted the ball upwards twice before securing it with his right and launching a precise kick downfield. This single, instinctive play averted a dangerous scrum situation for the Reds deep in Waratahs territory, instead setting up a lineout for NSW closer to their opponent’s try line. This moment came during a patch of play where the Waratahs, despite their overall superiority, experienced a rare lapse in concentration, marking the only period of the match where they failed to score points.
Plays like these are the hallmarks of a coach’s dream, and it’s easy to understand why former prop and current Waratahs coach Dan McKellar values Creighton. He plays with grit and a clear understanding of the importance of positioning his forwards effectively. However, from a critical perspective, Creighton currently appears to be a highly capable utility player filling the crucial flyhalf role. His versatility is undeniable; he started at fullback against the British and Irish Lions last year and even shifted to number 2 for the final 17 minutes against the Reds. While he can certainly make this work against lesser opposition, the question remains whether he possesses the consistent game-breaking ability required to challenge top-tier teams.
Adding to the Waratahs’ strategic depth is the arrival of James Hendren as their new fullback. Hendren’s comfort and proficiency in the first-receiver position are significant assets for the coaching staff. He possesses excellent “soft skills” – those intangible abilities that are difficult to coach – and a near-uncoachable knack for delivering perfectly timed passes under immense pressure. Hendren’s presence provides a valuable buffer and support system for Creighton.
Therefore, while Creighton himself is not inherently a problem for the Waratahs, the team’s ambition to be genuine title contenders hinges on addressing the flyhalf position. There appears to be a discernible gap between the current options and the calibre of player needed to compete at the highest level. McKellar has openly expressed his desire to challenge the dominant New Zealand franchises. The signings of Angus Crichton and Luke Reimer for next season are significant steps towards achieving this goal, forming crucial pieces of a larger strategic puzzle. The Waratahs’ trajectory since the conclusion of last year’s Super Rugby competition – including their impressive performance against the Lions, their successful Super Rugby AU campaign, and a strong pre-season culminating in the victory over the Reds – all point towards a team moving in the right direction.
Unpacking the Reds Victory: Fundamentals and Forward Power
When dissecting the win against the Reds, the fundamental elements of hunger and winning the physical battle stand out. The Waratahs demonstrably outperformed the Reds in these areas by a significant margin. This dominance was not confined to a single player but was evident across the team.
The impact of number six Clem Halaholo in his ball-carrying efforts was palpable, but the scrummaging of loosehead prop Tom Lambert also deserves special mention. While recent rule changes in scrummaging have aimed to reduce the emphasis on sheer brute force, winning that initial contact remains paramount. Lambert proved to be far more explosive and aggressive than his direct opponent, Zane Nonggorr. Despite being a smaller player, Lambert consistently prevented the Wallabies tighthead from establishing a dominant position, effectively dispelling earlier fears that the Waratahs’ scrum would be a weakness.
There are, undoubtedly, many positive aspects to the current Waratahs squad. However, to truly elevate their ceiling and become a championship-contending side, they need to discover a player akin to a “Bernard Foley 2.0” – a playmaker who can consistently guide the team to victory. The current market for such talent is limited.
One player who was once tipped as a future Wallabies playmaker, Reesjan Pasitoa, formerly of the Brumbies and Western Force, has recently made a significant move. In an interesting development, Pasitoa has signed a two-year deal with the Highlanders and has officially switched his international rugby eligibility to New Zealand. He expressed a sentiment of “no hard feelings,” explaining his decision was influenced by his father’s Niuean heritage and his own pursuit of New Zealand citizenship. This move effectively closes the door on his potential involvement with Australian rugby in the immediate future.
Furthermore, reports indicate that Noah Lolesio’s initial one-year stint in Japan, with an option for a second, may not lead to his return to Australian shores. Following a serious injury sustained during his time with the Wallabies last year, Lolesio is currently playing for Shuttles Aichi in the second tier of Japanese rugby. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, a return to Australian rugby from Lolesio would undoubtedly be a significant boost for both the Waratahs and the Wallabies.
