Rugby: Guildford says Waratahs must adapt to NZ style

Zac Guildford in action for the Waratahs. Photo / Getty Images

The Waratahs must be fast learners and ask more questions of the Chiefs' defence this Friday than they managed in their loss to the Crusaders last round, according to winger Zac Guildford.

The Tahs top Super Rugby's Australian conference by one point from the Brumbies, whose remaining four games are all against bottom half of the table teams, while NSW still have to face three New Zealand sides.

NSW have lost both their previous matches against Kiwi opposition this season, at home to the Highlanders and 29-10 to the Crusaders in Christchurch last week.

"It's very important to win this week, we got a taste of what the Kiwi sides are going to be like on the weekend," former All Black Guildford said.

"We've got to be fast learners and adapt and hopefully bring our A game to the Chiefs.
"We know what sort of style they are going to play, but I think more the focus is going to be on us and how we want to play in attack.

"They have been the benchmark along with the Crusaders for a number of years now.

"They will throw everything at us, so I just think we need to throw more to get the win.

"We've got to out-physical them, we've got to try different variations on attack, we've got to be hungrier."

Guildford provided some much-needed sparked off the bench for the Tahs in Christchurch, scoring a try and making some telling breaks.

"I think we were waiting back too much for things to happen and against a team like the Crusaders you've got to take it to them," Guildford said.

"I managed to pick out a few of their forwards and run a few metres.

"I don't like sitting on the wing getting a cold bum."

Guildford started for the Tahs in their first five games then missed the next five before being named on the bench last week.

"I love playing for the Waratahs. I found myself playing club rugby so I was getting pretty frustrated," Guildford said.

"But to be back in the mix is good."

Guildford fears it could be his only year at the Tahs.

"I haven't had any talks yet so it looks like it could be my last year here, but I'm not entirely sure."