Is the NSW Waratahs season now doomed?

It is no surprise that many are now AGAIN disappointed with another season of NSW's Super Rugby season. Although showing early signs of promise in earlier matches the Waratahs suffered another injury in the form of Drew Mitchell which could also have detrimental effects for the Australian Wallabies Rugby World Cup chances. Waratahs coach Chris Hickey put on a brave face and was sure his side can still be a finals contender despite the loss of Drew Mitchell for the rest of the season.

The international wing will miss the remainder of the campaign after dislocating his right ankle and fracturing a bone in his leg during Saturday night's 19-15 loss to the Reds. This game was an absolute cracker, though disappointing that it had a lot of focus on kicking penalties rather than fast paced try scoring action as has been seen this season by both sides. As we've mentioned before, the Queensland Reds seemed to have got their stuff together this year and put on a super season for fans, especially considering the years of disappointment suffered over the years for fans of the Reds.

Mitchell joins nine other players already unavailable for Hickey's side, but the coach is maintaining the Waratahs' depth has improved substantially since 2007, the year when a similar run of injuries led to a 13th-placed finish in the then 14-team competition.

Unfortunately, most people do not share the optimism of Mr Hickey about the prospects of finals hopes and we will probably see NSW Waratah's fans jump on the Reds bandwagon.