NSW Waratahs backrower Ned Hanigan is looking to ensure last week's win over the Crusaders wasn't a one-off as they push for a big crowd at home against the Highlanders.
The Waratahs put the competition on notice with a 37-24 win over the defending champions at Super Round.
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It was a remarkable revival from previous weeks, which included a pair of trial defeats and a loss to the Reds to open the season.
“It’s a start for this year," Hanigan told Rugby.com.au
“Last week, I wasn’t a part of (the Reds loss) but the boys came back and said parts were good but plenty to work on.
“I thought we claimed into those and the first 25 minutes of that game was pretty physical and opened up for us and them and we were just on the right side of the ledger.
“It’s good but it’s round two.”
Hanigan had a major influence in the final quarter of the game to close out the win.
His 17 tackles were only behind Charlie Gamble, despite only playing 28 minutes off the bench.
“I just found myself coming around the corner and just they were finding me,” Hanigan said with a laugh.
“That’s what you’ve got to try and do off the bench, they’ve gone to work for 50-60 minutes, you’ve just got to try and add to the game, not just join but add some value.
“We were in a position there that was relatively close, we always had the upper hand and as a bench, we spoke about knowing we’re going to be on the field when the final whistle blows and we want to be part of something that’s a good feeling."
The Waratahs will play their first home game of the season against the Highlanders on Sunday, coming off a defeat to the Blues.
Over the next seven games, they will host five at Allianz Stadium, including facing the Chiefs, Blues and Crusaders.
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman understands winning is the main way to galvanise support ahead of the tough schedule.
“We’ve got to focus and we’re going home so hopefully that performance will get a few of the on-the-fence supporters," Coleman said.
“We know Sydney is a really fickle sporting crowd…they like winners and we understand that but hopefully they’ll give us a shot and come along Friday night and support us and we back up that performance and build momentum.
“The boys can’t do much more to get a crowd along than what they did tonight.”
“We’re going into the Friday night game, first home game of the year you can’t get more excited," Hanigan added.
“The Highlanders are a bloody good outfit playing some good footy is it’ll be a bit of fun.
“We hope that the Tahs fans fill it with blue and we put on a good show for them.”
