Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has spent the better part of this season tinkering with a back line that has shown real potential, but a 49-13 thrashing of the Western Force means he will stick with the formation that proved so dangerous on Saturday evening.
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Halfback Nick Phipps and wingers Rob Horne and Reece Robinson got themselves on the scoresheet, while Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale combined better than they did against the Brumbies last week.
Israel Folau passed Lote Tuqiri's NSW try-scoring record, which has given Gibson further reason to keep his backs unchanged for their crucial game against the Stormers in Cape Town next week.
"[The record] is a real credit to him," Gibson said of Folau. "He's a really determined person and I think the fact that he's scored so many tries in such a short space of time - 52 games. It's a phenomenal record and well deserved.
"I'm feeling more settled with this combination. Rob Horne looked more comfortable on the left wing. He gives us a lot of threat out there and with his defensive qualities in the middle. I'm keen to run this combination out, give it some time and I certainly think with Folau given more time at 13 he'll grasp that position and he's very determined to make sure that he's going to be a success there."
Skipper Michael Hooper agrees with Gibson that the back line is gelling well. He said the combination of Phipps, Foley and Beale were near their best in NSW colours.
"[There is] some really good shape, finishing shape we've been working on for a long time, so really happy with how they're working," Hooper said. "The most pleasing aspect was the control of Bernard, KB and Nick from the game. In the years I've been with the Tahs that was one of the better 80-minute performances they've had as far as control of the game is concerned. They've put that there as a benchmark and will be expecting that going forward. It's really pleasing."
The Waratahs' demolition of a Force squad already making holiday plans for late July was "a much-needed shot of confidence", according to Gibson.
Their 36-point victory has catapulted them to 11th overall, but it is the five bonus points in seven games that might keep NSW within striking distance.
Gibson revealed Benn Robinson's eye injury is more of a concern than first thought, meaning he won't join the squad who fly to South Africa on Monday. "It's become more serious for him in terms of the damage to his eye, so I think it will be one where we monitor it week to week," Gibson said.
Jack Dempsey and Rob Horne, who were hurt during the Force game, are expected to take their spots in the starting XV on Sunday morning (AEST).
Gibson was delighted with the way his players were able to move away from the style they have employed against the Force in recent years, which was largely unsuccessful.
"We went in with a really firm game plan around that and we didn't want to play a lot of rugby in our own territory and really learn the lessons of the previous fixtures," Gibson said. "We kicked a lot which was perfect for this fixture and we got the reward on the back of it."
