A humiliating defeat to the lowly Sunwolves hasn't dented the NSW Waratahs' confidence one bit as they vow to bounce back against the high-flying Blues in Auckland.
Lock Tom Staniforth believes a brutal honesty session was just the trick after the Waratahs let slip a handy early lead in capitulating to a 31-29 loss to the doomed Tokyo franchise last Friday night.
"It was pretty critical," Staniforth said of the side's match review.
"But that's just the way it's got to be. If you're not critical of each other and have honest conversations, then what's the point of doing a review in the first place.
"We got out what we had to get out and everyone's looking to move forward this week."
After racing to a 12-3 lead with two tries in the opening 15 minutes in Newcastle, the Waratahs continually tried to going wide early.
Staniforth, though, disagreed the Tahs disrespected the Sunwolves, who only a fortnight ago were told they'd be booted out of Super Rugby in 2021.
"I think it was just our skill execution. We've got a world-class backline. We've got to give them the opportunity," he said.
"Some days you have off days. That's just football.
"We've just got to build back this week and train well and play well."
He insisted the Waratahs' belief hadn't been shaken by the costly slip-up that meant the Melbourne Rebels went top of the super-tight Australian conference with victory over the Queensland Reds.
"We just focus on the old cliche of week to week," Staniforth said.
"It's not really a concern. If you win the games, you get the points so we'll worry about this week and trying to stop the Blues."
After opening their campaign with three straight losses, the Blues have won their past three starts heading into Saturday's clash at Eden Park.
