Dave Dennis
The Waratahs may have moved to the top of the Super Rugby standings, but they will be withoout the services of captain Dave Dennis for the rest of their campaign.
The hard-working Dennis injured his knee in their emphatic 39-8 bonus-point win over the Brumbies in Sydney on Saturday and has been ruled out with an ACL injury.
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Coach Michael Cheika conceded the loss of his captain was a huge blow for the team leading into the finals but he was happy to draw positives from the physicality of his forwards against an aggressive Brumbies pack.
“They’re skilful guys, and they’ve got the physique to dominate, and I think they’re just enjoying working hard,” said Cheika afterwards.
“It’s a real badge of honour when you feel like you’re a hard worker. If you’re a hard worker people will respect you and they’ve certainly earned the respect of their team,” Cheika said.
Captain Dennis concurred, praising his forwards for fronting up for a full 80 minutes of physical football to run over a vaunted ACT side.
“Over the last 18 months the one thing we’ve tried to hang our hat on is working hard and be a strong physical team that never gives in. I think every week you’re getting that consistency in how hard we’re going to work and how physical we’re going to be.”
The win sees the Tahs move to first place overall on the Super Rugby ladder, and record five consecutive wins for the first time since 2010.