NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson is refusing to blame fallout from the Israel Folau calamity for a Super Rugby campaign which is set to wind up this weekend, barring a miracle.
Gibson's men must upset the Highlanders on Friday, secure a bonus point in the process and hope other results go their way if they are to secure a finals berth.
Making their task even more treacherous is heavy rain forecast for Invercargill and Gibson's decision to abide by the Rugby Australia player welfare requirements.
It means 12th‑placed NSW will be without Wallabies Michael Hooper, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Rob Simmons and Sekope Kepu, who are serving their second mandatory rest week.
The Waratahs play the Highlanders at 7.35pm Friday.
[Source:TV NZ]
