By Dan Elsom

The NSW Waratahs are looking to get their season back on track this weekend after a disappointing loss to the Force in Perth.

With finals football just over a month away the Waratahs are looking to build momentum heading into the pointy end of the season, starting this weekend against the Sharks.

“We were embarrassed to play that way and come away with a loss like that. Now we have a point to prove this week,” outside back Matt Carraro said.

With only three home games left in the regular season, Carraro said the home crowd support should help NSW put some pride back into the jersey this week.

“Last week we just didn’t show any passion for the game. We just couldn’t get into the game, and passion was a big part of that. Its good we are back at Allianz, and we will have the crowd behind us, so it should be easy to bring those things back.”

Disappointed with their execution at the set piece and breakdown against the Force, the Waratahs will need to improve their scrum and lineout if they are going to compete with the Sharks forward pack.

“Everyone’s hurting, the forwards in particular. We really need to improve our accuracy at the set piece; we’ve had far too many stoppages at the scrum. Our set piece in general really has to improve,” backrower Stephen Hoiles said.

After being cleared of any serious damage to his knee, Hoiles moves into the starting side this week, replacing former Springbok Jacques Potgieter, who has been ruled out with a chest injury.

The Sharks have dominated at scrum time this season and are expected to try and bully the Waratahs with their physicality.

“As a forward pack you always get excited about these games because you are playing a big physical, confrontational side, so if you don’t stand up to them you’re going to have a really tough night,” Hoiles said.

Whilst Hoiles is expecting a forward dominated match, he’s confident the Waratahs backline will be able to show their trademark attacking flair, if the forwards can secure the breakdown.

“As a unit we are looking to lay the platform for the backs. We’ve got a really good backline there and we are looking to give them as many opportunities as we can.”