Rogers promises no repeat of mistakes

SYDNEY - A contrite Mat Rogers says he owes his Waratahs teammates a big performance in the Super 12 final following his nightmare semifinal against the Bulls last weekend.

The Waratahs, who are underdogs for Saturday's final against the Crusaders, named their team this afternoon. (Click on link below for the line-up.)

"It was atrocious for my standards actually," said Rogers, who gifted a try to Johan Roets after a clearing kick was charged down.

"I couldn't possibly have two games like that in a row, so I'm glad I got it out of the way last week and not this week.

"I was feeling really good before the game but just couldn't seem to get into it and was taking some wrong options here and there."

Fullback Rogers described his performance as "just one of those nights" when things didn't seem to fall into place.

At Jade Stadium he has vowed to get involved in the play as early as he can to get rid of the nerves, and said he probably needs to get into first receiver a bit more to get his hands on the ball.

"I'm not going to go out there and try to overplay it because that's where things could come undone," Rogers said.

The final also gives Rogers the chance to win a premiership title after 12 years of trying in both rugby league and union.

"I've never had a regret coming over to rugby and this game is hopefully going to be the icing on the cake with more to come," the former Cronulla and Queensland wing said.

- NZPA