Palu predicts tough task ahead
May 29 2008
Waratahs number eight Wycliff Palu expects "a tough day at the office" for him and his team-mates when they come up against the six-time Super Rugby champion Crusaders in Christchurch.
History is not on the side of the Waratahs, with the team having won just once in eight previous trips to AMI Stadium.
That victory came in 2004 with a comprehensive 43-19 win, but they lost the next five meetings since their triumph four years ago, including the competition final one year later and this season's round-robin clash, both in Christchurch.
Palu has been in career-best form for the Waratahs this campaign, combining bone-jarring defence with a barnstorming running game to be the side's leading try-scorer with six heading into the decider.
Australia's Super 14 Player of the Year George Smith's comments earlier this week suggesting that his Wallaby team-mate will be the game-breaker in Saturday's final, have been played down by the man himself.
When informed of his good friend's flattery, the softly-spoken giant was quick to point his success to an all-round team performance.
"We've got another 21 players in the team and they've all been playing well," Palu told Sportal.
"It's going to take the team to beat the Crusaders not just the one person."
Palu predicted a bruising encounter against a pack brimming with experienced All Blacks.
"They're very tough and they're mobile, you know, they've got a good back row and good tight five," he said.
"It's a game I think is going to be won up front and it's going to be a tough day at the office for us."
At the tender age of 25, Palu is among the elder statesmen in a side now brimming with fearless youngsters.
And although the Waratahs' forward pack is considered their main strength, Palu predicted the team's inexperienced back-line would surprise their more experienced opponents.
"They've done a good job so far and I think they're only going to get better," Palu said of the Waratahs' back-line.
"I think going into the final that's going to one of our strengths because they don't know much about our young back-line."
"And when you're young you don't really care about the consequences and you just go out there and play and just have fun.
"You might not get this opportunity again so you've just got to make the most of it."