Planet-Rugby

Sheehan responds to fitness jibe

Monday 24th March 2008

Waratahs scrum-half Brett Sheehan has hit back at claims that the fitness of his Super 14 team is not up to scratch.

Following a comprehensive defeat at the hands of table-toppers the Crusaders, opposing centre Casey Laulala believed the New Zealand side were in superior physical condition as they ran out 34-7 victors.

Yet Sheehan, whose side face the Cheetahs at home on Friday, was adamant fitness wasn't an issue for the Waratahs, despite leaking 28 unanswered points in the final 20 minutes of the clash.

"I know we're not an unfit team, it's just momentum and stuff like that changed the game in that last 20 minutes," Sheehan said, speaking to the AAP.

"I'm not worried about our fitness.

"We've got a great conditioning team, we've worked hard, we've been training since November."

And despite limited chances to show their attacking capabilities last week, Sheehan has warned the Cheetahs that the Australians will be in the mood to show their worth in Sydney.

"As a backline and as a whole team, we're really looking forward to playing some football, I think we will get that opportunity this week," Sheehan said.

"I guess it's (the Crusaders loss) an attitude thing, but we've got to stay focused for the 80 minutes.