Foley says Tahs have learnt their lesson

Sunday, 25 March 2012:

The NSW Waratahs have vowed to keep carrying the attack to opposing teams after a week of soul-searching resulted in a Super Rugby season-saving win over the Sharks.

Fullback Bernard Foley said the humiliating previous round loss to the Western Force - when they were pilloried by their own fans for needlessly kicking the ball away - was a wake-up call the Waratahs needed.

Foley said the Waratahs' attack would continue to back themselves by keeping ball in hand, with four tries in Saturday's 34-30 thriller indicating they had learned plenty from their dismal season start.

The No.15 said the side hadn't reinvented itself, but simply played to their strengths, as they avoided their worst-ever start to a campaign and rediscovered some self-belief as they improved their win-loss record to 2-3.

For the most part Foley has been a shining light in his rookie seasonk, but he realised against the Force he was guilty of letting attacking chances slip by.

This week the edict was simple for the under-pressure backline: force the issue on the opponent's defence.

"That's what we spoke about this week. We didn't really ask many questions of the defence last week so all week it was about that, just really going up and make them make tackles," Foley told AAP.

"That was the most pleasing thing from Saturday. We just kept the ball in hand and guys like Tommy (Carter) and Robbie (Horne) and to some extent myself just went at them.

"We had a bit of a rain check last week. It was something we may have needed and the way we've rebounded ... has characterised the team. We're starting the wheel again."

However, the Waratahs aren't getting too carried away, especially given they face New Zealand conference leaders the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

Foley scored a vital try against the Sharks and injected himself well into the backline, combining nicely with new five eighth Berrick Barnes.

But the former Sevens star and Commonwealth Games silver medallist said he's focused on consistency as he looks to make the Waratahs fullback spot, vacated by Wallabies star Kurtley Beale, his own.

"After a win it doesn't mean you don't stop working and for my game especially at fullback and new to this competition and new to this team, I can't have a week off," he said.

"A win does give you an extra boost in your step... but I've got to continue working on my game and analysing my game.

"Last week I just didn't get involved in the game. I let the game slip by and I think for me going forward I've got to get my hands on the ball and really try and have an impact on the game and try and back up the main playmakers and be an option out wide."

Replacement hooker John Ulugia suffered a calf strain but is expected to be right to face the Chiefs.

AAP