Half a dozen Waratahs players discussed the idea of flying almost an extra 30 hours from and to South Africa to attend Dan Vickerman's memorial service in Sydney but agreed the late Wallabies second-rower would want them to stay and prepare for their upcoming clash against the Lions.
Regardless of whether Bernard Foley is deemed fit for the Waratahs' next match against the Lions in Johannesburg, coach Daryl Gibson has unearthed a potential secret weapon on the Highveld in replacement kicker Reece Robinson.
The NSW Waratahs ground their way to victory in their Super Rugby opener, prevailing 19-13 over the Force on a wet night at Allianz Stadium.
Follow full live coverage as the Waratahs get their season underway against the Western Force on a wet track in Sydney.
Waratahs prop Sekope Kepu says he can't wait to pack down against former teammate Tatafu Polota-Nau on Saturday but has warned the Western Force's new recruit they won't be mates when they get onto the turf of Allianz Stadium in the opening round of Super Rugby.
This time last year, Irae Simone, the Waratahs' new starting inside-centre, was given a simple ultimatum by his father Laauli when he turned his back on rugby league.
His coach concedes he has no rights to be playing rugby with legs like that, but that hasn't stopped Bryce "Fettuccine" Hegarty getting the tick of approval to start in the coveted NSW No.10 jersey on Saturday night.
For how long can NSW and Queensland produce enough players to support Australian rugby's national footprint? Not long, according to Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson.
The Waratahs' round one ambitions have taken a hit after Test No.10 Bernard Foley was ruled out with ongoing concussion symptoms.
Ahead of the Super Rugby season, Tom Decent looks at five main talking points.
Wallabies back Dane Haylett-Petty says the ARU would be "crazy" to chop the Western Force from Super Rugby altogether in 2018.
Bernard Foley is in doubt for the Waratahs opening Super Rugby clash against the Western Force with coach Daryl Gibson set to give his star five-eighth until Thursday to overcome a concussion.
After casting an eye over the Global Tens last weekend, you could be forgiven for thinking the 2017 Super Rugby season might be a case of Groundhog Day for the Australian conference.
A Highlanders penalty goal after the siren has sunk a valiant Waratahs outfit that came back from 22 points down before falling at the final hurdle in their final pre-season trial before the Super Rugby season kicks off.
Bernard Foley wants the Waratahs backline to channel their inner Tom Brady by remaining composed at all times when they tackle the Highlanders on Thursday.
A stellar NRC campaign earns young NSW Waratahs halfback a trial match starting spot against the Highlanders.
This time last year, Waratahs second-rower Will Skelton was unfit, over his usual playing weight and in his own words "not in a good place".
Michael Wells has emerged as the frontrunner to wear the Waratahs No.8 jersey in round one of Super Rugby after it was revealed Jed Holloway has a hamstring injury.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will soon start preparing his bid to bring former NSW Waratahs star Kurtley Beale back home.
The Waratahs are on the hunt for a new home and have not ruled out moving west or north in search of better digs.
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