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Kit-less McKenzie bags travel schedule

Tuesday 13th May 2008

McKenzie: Racking up the air miles

After a mammoth 18-hour journey from Cape Town, the Waratahs' players faced every traveller's worst nightmare when they discovered their gear had not followed them back to Sydney.

"We've got no clothes or boots or mouthguards," said skipper Phil Waugh.

The only equipment which made it back to Australia were a few footballs, tackle bags and hit pads.

"They just told us now none of it came," coach Ewen McKenzie told the Daily Telegraph after passing through customs.

"We sat in Jo'burg for an hour and a half because of baggage issues, so I don't know what they were doing.

"They were shuffling around the deckchairs and there was obviously nothing there."

The players may be asked to wear their club gear or squeeze into their old school footy jumpers at Tuesday's training session.

"We'll have to do a bit of fudging," said McKenzie.

"We are a pretty good team at adapting - we certainly don't look to use it as an excuse.

"We will make the best of it. I'm sure we will get a laugh out of it tomorrow."

Meanwhile, McKenzie has slammed the timing of his team's final-round clash against the Reds as they attempt to secure a Super 14 semi-final berth.

Following their marathon journey from Cape Town where they drew 13-13 against the Stormers on Saturday, they'll then have only a couple of days to readjust before another plane ride to Brisbane on Friday morning for a crucial match-up against the Reds.

"It's a bit of a tough draw," said McKenzie.

"We'll struggle to get even a training session in before the Reds game. So the match will be about attitude for us."

The Waratahs have their fate in their own hands after slipping to third on the table following the draw at a rain-soaked Newlands.

"I suppose we are experienced when it comes to these conditions," said McKenzie.

"I thought we controlled possession far better in the second half, but the problem was we created pressure and didn't get enough reward for it. I'm pleased we got back in the game and I'm sure we'll take that momentum into the next game against the Reds."

The Waratahs are among a group of six teams vying for three semi-final spots with the Crusaders already having sealed the minor premiership.

McKenzie said his team was keen to wrap up a semi berth with victory over the Reds, who are coming off a heartbreaking 21-27 loss to the Crusaders having led 21-8 in the second half.

"We're not getting bogged down in the mathematics," McKenzie said.

"We've been like that all year. We've just got to pay attention to the detail and execute on the night."

The Waratahs are likely to give former league international Timana Tahu a place in the starting line-up after recovering from a hamstring injury.