Cheika asking for faith

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has insisted that his sides nine-match losing streak is not something that is influencing his team in the their preparations for their match against the Rebels.

Cheika's coaching debut didn't go to plan last Saturday night when the Reds repelled a spirited fightback from the `Tahs to win 25-17 in Brisbane.

The defeat added to the eight straight losses to finish 2012 that resulted in coach Michael Foley leaving his post and heading to Perth to take control of the Western Force.

But Cheika believes reflecting on the dismal second half of last season serves no purpose with the chance to forge a new culture at the Waratahs.

"It's a different season, different people, different feel," Cheika said after training on Wednesday.

"The only game that counts is the next one.

"We're only going forward. Maybe some guys might have (the losing streak) in their head - I don't know."

The 45-year-old urged Waratahs fans to keep the faith, warning there might be a bit of short-term pain before delivering on his promise to not only win games, but do it with a generous sprinkling of razzle-dazzle.

"One thing is for sure - there's no lack of intent and effort into the preparation that goes into winning games," said Cheika.

"So we understand that it's about performing in our new way of playing that's going to be the key to winning not just this game but maybe others down the track.

"Sometimes there's a bit of pain to get some gain later down the track. Who knows?

"But I very much believe in the way we're going."

The last time the Waratahs won a Super Rugby match was, incidentally, against the Rebels at Allianz Stadium last April when they triumphed 30-21.

AAP