Their history is quite enigmatic really.  They are the oldest and most well established union in Australia, but like the Sharks from South Africa they just can’t seem to go that extra step to winning the competition and will be hoping to change that in 2011.  They've had some great players in their past, the likes of Matt Burke and Phil Kearns and they would have liked to have done better.

They are coached by Chris Hickey in his second season in charge and are captained by Phil Waugh.  If anyone remembers the game Street Fighter from the good old days you’ll know exactly who he reminds me of.

He’s been talking about how the guys have bulked up in the off season to better compete at the collision points, and while some contend that it should be the other way around, nobody ever really lost anything by getting stronger.

The 2011 Waratahs are a serious contender.  Losing semi finalists to the Stormers in 2010 they’ll be looking to go on and win.  They have the players to do it too.  Almost their entire starting fifteen has international experience but stand out players for them in the forwards will be the aforementioned Phil Waugh,  Dean Mumm, Tatafu Polota Nau, Wycliff Palu, Ben Robinson and Ben Mowen.  All have experience at Superugby level and will be a tough nut to crack.  The Waratahs are masters at the Aussie dark art of frustrating their opponents into making stupid decisions and mistakes at scrum time and in the loose and with their experienced pack we can expect more of the same this year.

At the back they are anchored by the wallaby pairing of Burgess and Barnes, it may sound like a bookstore but it isn’t.  Barnes is the golden boy and has recently wrestled the Aussie number 12 jersey from Matt Giteau.

He will be looking to consolidate that.  Outside them they have surprise package centre Rob Horne and fellow wallaby Ryan Cross.  Their back three is electric with Kurtley Beale, Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner in prime position to rain tries on any who dare take them lightly.

The Waratahs are effective, but I’ve never found them particularly entertaining to watch and I hope that changes in 2011.  They have the best squad of all the Aussie franchises and should take the conference ahead of the Reds and Brumbies.

Visit the author Ryan Quirk at :  http://blogs.sport24.co.za/RyanQ/