WARATAHS v STORMERS
The man who gave John Eales, Tim Horan and David Campese their Wallaby test debuts has a new breed he is preparing to unleash on the Stormers tomorrow night.
Bob Dwyer, who has taken control of the Waratahs, believes raw enthusiasm, impetuosity and hard work will give them the competitive edge Australian rugby has craved.
And in loosehead prop Matt Dunning, first five-eighth Manny Edmonds, lock Jono West, loose forwards Phil Waugh and David Lyons and centre Luke Inman, Australia's World Cup-winning coach of 1991 believes he has the core of a side that can take them places.
Dwyer is quick to deflect some of the kudos to his management team, but for Australian Rugby Union officials there is no doubt that his personality has played the biggest role in reviving New South Wales rugby.
"In a lot of ways I'm lucky. I came in with credibility and no-one really questions me too much," Dwyer said.
"Like any leadership role, you have to use a mixture of encouraging, demanding and threatening."
His approach has found particular favour with his young players, who have responded magnificently to the challenge.
They have also been given significantly more say in team affairs than last year, when a group of senior players undermined former coach Ian Kennedy.
Dwyer said last week's convincing victory over the Chiefs was only a starting point.
"It was a good start, but it contained some blemishes. There's no doubt we'll have to move up a notch against the Stormers.
"They're an unpredictable side as they can attack from anywhere and that's the most difficult kind of team to play against."
The Stormers have targeted this as the match they are most likely to win on their Australasian tour.
New Zealand's Super 12 squads
2001 Super 12 schedule/scoreboard
Dwyer fires up players
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