As the NSW Waratahs face their worst finish to a Super Rugby season, coach Michael Foley says he doesn't resent being put under the spotlight.
Under-pressure NSW coach Michael Foley says he doesn't resent being put under the spotlight for the Waratahs' failings this Super Rugby season.
As NSW play for pride against the Hurricanes in Sydney on Saturday night, Foley said it was crucial the organisation as a whole continues to stick together and he can't afford to worry about his own personal predicament.
Despite the Waratahs staring down the barrel of their worst Super Rugby season, Foley said he's been pleased with how tight the group has remained.
The former Wallaby said he deserves to answer the music from critics, but sees the trying experience as a chance to learn "invaluable lessons".
"I think that's part of the job and I think if you didn't accept that, you wouldn't take the job," he said at the Waratahs' captain's run on Friday.
"There's times where teams go through difficult times and I think the worst thing a coach can do in those situations is think about himself.
"You're always talking to the players about playing for each other and being tight under particular circumstances and it's the same for the coach.
"In a sense, you'd obviously prefer for it not to be this way but it's a good test for all of us, from a management point of view around the team, the team itself and the administration of the business."
Foley said the Waratahs have been excited at training as they look to produce a strong showing for the last home match of the year at Allianz Stadium.
The coach said players had avoided the trap of turning on each other, and Foley hopes the carrot of Wallabies selection will provide a boost for several players.
"Any time you get picked for your country, it's very exciting ... I don't think it's distracting - I think it's a good thing," he said.
