World Cup assistant coach Dan Palmer has described the NSW Waratahs' defensive failings as "slow and lazy" with the Brumbies likely licking their lips ahead of their Super Rugby Pacific clash.
A low point in the Waratahs' 35-15 loss to Queensland last round came late in the first half when NSW failed to defend the Reds' rolling maul that marched 20 metres down-field for Richie Asiata to score an easy try.
Scrum guru Palmer, who worked under Eddie Jones at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and earned one Wallabies cap in 2012, said the players had taken the harsh feedback on board.
He was expecting to see a reaction at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
"We were slow, lazy, and didn't get our roles right," Palmer said. "We addressed it head-on in training, and I expect a far better response this weekend.
"The Brumbies are built on a strong set-piece, structured play, and breakdown dominance. "They've had a core group together for a long time, and their fundamentals are excellent. "We know what's coming - it's about how well we prepare for it and how we impose our own game."
During his career Palmer played for both the Brumbies and Waratahs and said the Sydneysiders needed to bring an 80-minute performance.
NSW currently sit in fifth spot, one behind the Brumbies, who are coming off an impressive win over Fijian Drua.
"It's a massive game for both teams," Palmer added. "I know how important it is for both the Brumbies and the Waratahs and we're preparing as best we can to put in a strong performance.
"We don't need fire and brimstone early in the week, but we will be up for this one. "The key is bringing controlled aggression and executing our plan."
Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble, who will play his 50th Super match, said the rolling maul try was a "wake-up" for his previously undefeated team.
"We reviewed the Reds game, and there were some hard truths," the 28-year-old said. "That rolling maul try was a wake-up call for us as a forward pack. "We've drilled it hard this week, and we won't let that happen again.
"After a disappointing loss, you want to respond immediately, and there's no better team to test yourself against than the Brumbies."
