Bernard Foley crosses for a try in a Waratahs win over the Brumbies in 2014 – Photo: karenwatsonphotography.com.au

by Charlie Drayton –

The NSW Waratahs are still searching for an 80-minute performance in 2015 and will be looking to rediscover their mojo when they take on the Brumbies this Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium.

Conference leaders, the Brumbies, have proven to be the benchmark team in this year’s competition with a win on Sunday ensuring a clean sweep of victories oerl all four Aussie sides in just six rounds of Super Rugby.

Waratahs coach, Michael Cheika, knows Sunday’s fixture will be a real test for his men as they look to close the 10-point buffer the Brumbies currently hold.

“The Brumbies have been far and away the best team in Australia this year, but I believe in my lads 100%,” Cheika said.

“We have probably just been lacking a little bit of edge and on Sunday we are going to have a clear idea of how we are going to keep that edge for the entire game.

“I think if anything, our work rate has actually improved from last year but we just need that edge to finish off the move or shut down the opposition.”

The Waratahs held 62% of possession against the Highlanders and dominated the New Zealand outfit in metres gained, offloads and line breaks, but struggled to make the most of their opportunities in the 26-19 loss.

For Kurtley Beale, Sunday’s clash can’t come soon enough.

“It’s going to be a great challenge for us. Obviously we had a disappointing loss last week, but the guys are pretty keen to turn things around,” Beale said.

Just one Test shy of 50 international caps, Beale admits a spot in the national squad will be in the back of the players’ minds when they take to the field on Sunday.

“Local derbies are always very physical and all the players know each other on the field, so that will become personal as we continue to push for representative spots.”

With five rounds gone, Sunday marks a crunch game for the men in blue as they try to lock up some crucial points ahead of next weeks game against the Blues.