t’s rare that a team coming off the wooden spoon has such expectations as the Waratahs will have heading into the new Super Rugby Pacific season.
However, a new coach and roster overhaul have got plenty of people expecting big things from the Waratahs in 2025.
The club is coming off a rough 2024 that saw them undefeated against the Crusaders, yet winless against every other side.
Here are five key talking points for the NSW Waratahs heading into Super Rugby Pacific 2025.
1. Return of the McKellar
Dan McKellar returns to Australia and is tasked with turning around one of the most underperforming sides in recent memory.
It was also envisioned McKellar’s return would likely come with a gold jersey after leaving the Brumbies for Leicester.
The appointment raised some eyebrows at his old side but McKellar is the right man to turn the NSW side around after a rollercoaster five year period.
He has the talent to do something special. It’s all about developing that 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁er edge whilst keeping them on the field injury-free.
2. All eyes on Suaalii
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be the most critiqued player in Super Rugby Pacific in 2024 given his arrival in Test Rugby.
Suaalii lived up to expectations on his Wallabies debut against England and will carry significant hype heading into 2025.
Outside centre seems like his position for now, which slots him in perfectly for the departed Izaia Perese.
It’s now on the Wallaby to sharpen his defensive game and get the Waratahs back to the finals.
3. Getting the best out of Taniela
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar’s biggest challenge (literally) is getting the best out of prop Taniela Tupou.
Tupou was largely used off the bench by the Rebels in 2024, starting just six games.
The 28-year-old played heavy minutes at last year’s World Cup but was often substituted by Joe Schmidt early in the second half.
Tupou was back towards his best in the final game of the year against Ireland and it’ll be up to McKellar to get this consistently from the tight-head like he managed during his brief stint with the Wallabies under Dave Rennie.
4. Tane time
A lot has happened to Tane Edmed since he last pulled on the gold jersey.
Edmed had a mixed season with the Waratahs but a brilliant NPC season saw him rushed into the Wallabies squad, eventually debuting against Ireland.
The debut ended in disaster after a concussion inside two minutes but the confidence the playmaker has received in the past six months is invaluable.
Edmed will have an all-star backline at his disposal as the clear first choice flyhalf, with former Junior Wallaby Jack Bowen and Reds recruit Lawson Creighton providing competition.
5. Capture the fans
The NSW Waratahs need a strong start if they are to convince their fans they are for real.
Two wooden spoons in four years has left the club near rock bottom with an all-star cast.
Their start to the season leads many to believe they will recapture the lapsed with an early winning run, facing the Highlanders, Drua and Force in the opening month.
If they can be at least two from three, if not three from three, it sets up a blockbuster Round Five against the Reds in Brisbane.
