Rugby: Waratahs have point to prove against Rebels

Dean Mumm of the Waratahs catches the ball during a Waratahs Super Rugby training session. Photo / Getty Images

With their own season on the line, the NSW Waratahs need no reminding that the Melbourne Rebels will have a point to prove in Saturday night's Super Rugby crunch match in Sydney.

The Rebels are eyeing redemption after copping a 43-0 hammering from the Waratahs in their forgettable tournament debut in round one.

"But I think we've got a reasonable point to prove as well," NSW captain Dean Mumm said on Friday.

"We're coming off a couple of disappointing results on our own front, so we certainly want to front up in front of our own crowd and show them that we're still a force to be reckoned with."

Back-to-back away losses to the Blues and table-topping Queensland Reds have left the Waratahs six competition points adrift of the top six and with little margin for error heading into the final eight rounds.

Mumm admitted another defeat would leave NSW in serious jeopardy of missing the playoffs for only the third time since 2004.

"This is a very big game for us in our season," the big lock said.

"We need to get some points on the line and to start moving forward.

"Any derby doesn't need too much incentive but there's also plenty in the context of the season behind it.

"I'm confident that the commitment will be there."

The Waratahs received a major boost on Friday when star fullback Kurtley Beale was declared a certain starter after successfully completing the captain's run at the SFS.

The goalkicking Beale had only trained once all week as he battled a knee injury and his confirmed participation came a day after fellow Wallabies playmaker Berrick Barnes was given the green light.

Barnes has been sidelined since round six after suffering two heavy head knocks this season.

"It will be good to get back. It's been a while," Barnes said.

"I'm feeling good about things. I've trained all week as well as I can, so I'm confident tomorrow night whether it be in defence or attack and (that I will) play my own game."

Mumm - deputising for injured skipper Phil Waugh, who, like powerhouse No.8 Wycliff Palu is nursing a hamstring strain - said having both Barnes and Beale on deck was a double comfort for the Tahs.

"Certainly it's lovely to have Berrick back. He's a nice calm head in moments that it gets a bit hectic and we've all seen how good KB is," he said.

Beale this month signed a million-dollar deal to join Melbourne next season, meaning the 2010 international player of the year nominee will be lining up against the Waratahs in future derbies with the Rebels.

"I'm sure it's got significance for Kurtley personally, but for us, Kurtley's a hundred per cent a Waratah at the moment," Mumm said.

"He's given us that commitment and I have no doubt when he pulls on that blue jersey tomorrow night, he's with us 100 per cent."

- AAP