Coming off their smallest total of the season, Waratahs captain Tim Corcoran is looking for a better showing now that the team is at full strength.
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The undefeated Wagga side had scored 945 points, at an average of just under 73 points per game this season, but were held to just 38 by Leeton last week.
Their usually powerful back line struggled to find their same potency and it is one area Corcoran is looking to improve up taking on Griffith at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday.
“We probably just got our timing wrong so it’s not a massive issue for us and we are going to address that this week,” Corcoran said.
“It was probably just our execution and to be fair to Leeton they put that pressure on us and it was exactly what we need given we’ve had bigger winning margins in the past.
“We’ve had bigger winning margins in the past so it was good to have that pressure put on us.”
Waratahs trailed the Phantoms at half-time, but put on three tries to one to take a 38-23 victory to stay undefeated with finals just around the corner.
Corcoran was pleased with how the team responded.
“We knew it was always going to be tough and sure enough being down at half-time it can’t be too much tougher,” he said.
“It was good that our boys were able to show composure and for the first time in the whole year to be down and not panic.
“It is exactly what we need.”
Corcoran expects a similar plan of attack from the Blacks as the Phantoms brought last week.
Waratahs have Corey Toole back after his role with ACT schoolboys at the national championships while Austin Wallace also returns.
Corcoran believes both will be big boosts to the side.
Barring injuries, the 15 coach Richard Skellern takes into the game against the Blacks is the 15 he expects to start in the finals.
It means the likes of Euan Bonner and Joe Mullany will be in second grade, but Skellern said they will still play an important role off the bench.
Griffith really pushed Waratahs in their first round mtach-up.
Despite missing out on the finals again this year after a disappointing second half of the season, Skellern expects a tough clash.
“They were very close, the same as Leeton, last time and I’m sure they are going to come over here and gives us a run for our money,” he said.
The Blacks are looking to finish the season on a high after making big steps.
After what was a tough 2017 season, they were looking to rebuild and coach Craig Morriss said it has gotten off to the right start.
“We have won a lot more games this season and have been pretty close to the top teams in most of our games as well,” Morriss said.
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