Rugby Union: O’Callaghan hopeful Waterloo will find their feet

Sep 26 2007 by Ian Hargraves Liverpool Daily Post

WATERLOO are finding it harder to progress than they had initially expected after their spectacular pre-season victory over Londonderry.

However, coach Chris O’Callaghan is confident they can gradually get to grips with their problems, and improve sufficiently to start rising up the League table.

“It is important to remember that the Irish game was only a friendly, and they were well ahead before they rested one or two of their best players,” he pointed out.

“Our squad is not all that strong, and what’s more it is on the small side, so we have to hope we are not hit too hard by injuries.

“We could have done with two or three bigger men, because at the moment our pack are having to fight to hold their own.

“Twice we had a player sent to the sin bin, and each time we conceded a try, reminding us that we just can’t afford to take those sort of chances.”

The fact is, of course that the Waterloo pack are not very big by modern standards, but O’Callaghan is confident they are determined enough to hold their own after some tough practice sessions.

And their all-round defence has looked pretty good so far, with very few tackles missed.

“It’s just a matter of working very hard, making the fullest use of our ability, and not trying to be too clever,” he emphasised.

“I’m sure we shall start to move upwards before too long, because the two sides we have lost to in the League are better than the average.

“We need to be a bit cleverer, use our strengths a bit more, and make the most of our home advantage when given the chance.

“I hope our supporters are not getting too frustrated, because I’m sure we shall soon start to rise up the table.”