Initial concerns hit Waratahs

The Waratahs yesterday abandoned using players' initials instead of numbers on their jerseys after criticism from the Australian Rugby Union, Sanzar and Australian Super 14 broadcaster Fox Sports.

Last Saturday night's trial match between the Waratahs and Crusaders was the only time the initialled jerseys will be seen this season, with the shirts to be auctioned off for children's hospitals after the ARU-controlled Sanzar demanded numbers be reinstated to avoid confusion.

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie's intention was to rid his squad of "being typecast by the positional number".

"If I put numbers on their back then players are inhibited by the history of that position and what that position means. What I want to say is, 'Don't worry about that. We'll put something else on your back and feel free to get involved in the game using the attributes you offer us and don't be limited by the numbering'.

"It's a mentality thing," he explained last week.

Unfortunately, rugby's powerbrokers decided it was just plain mental and quickly mobilised to bring the Waratahs back to basics.

"We are clearly disappointed by this decision, particularly as it was made before last weekend's game," said New South Wales Rugby Union chief executive Fraser Neill yesterday.

"All we've ever asked for was an open mind going into the match.

"It was certainly different but after a few minutes I and a lot of other supporters were hooked."

McKenzie said despite the setback, he was still a fan of the initiative.

"I was actually watching [the game against the Crusaders] on video and it looked all right to me. I actually found it easier, particularly with the numbers of players coming on and off.

"I found it quite easy from my perspective, but I'm probably a bit biased."

However Crusaders fans wasted no time making capital out of the letters.

Midfield back Morgan "Missed Tackle" Turinui, and props Matt "Marshmallow Donut" Dunning and Al "Always Backwards" Baxter suffered early while visiting supporters pondered whether Will Caldwell was off to the toilet when he was subbed.

It was unanimous among the Crusaders faithful also that replacement halfback Ben Sheehan's play was ... well ... bullshit, while poor Wendell Sailor was just a Waste of Space - admittedly not just in Crusaders' fans eyes.

- NZPA