Tom Cusack's column: Buses, KFC and rugby's glimmer of hope

Travelling to and from Sydney on game day to play the NSW Waratahs is part of the new coronavirus world we're all living in.

But it's certainly not something we're worried about. In fact, we're embracing it as a trip down memory lane. This is a trip I've done many times, starting as an ACT juniors when a convoy of rugby parents would ferry us to Bowral to meet our Sydney rivals.

As I got older and joined the Australian sevens program, I used to drive to and from Sydney by myself. A stop at KFC at Marulan on the way up, then Pheasant's Nest on the way back became part of my road trip routine.

The travel is just another hurdle, but not one we're concerned about. There's plenty of room to spread out on the bus - James Slipper behind me, Locky McCaffrey across from me and others spread out having a sleep when they get the chance.

But this game isn't just about the road trip for me. It's a reminder of rugby's good days, and how far I've come along in my rugby journey.

This will be the first time I've played at the Sydney Olympic Stadium since my Australian schools debut at the same venue, which seems like a lifetime ago.

Back then we ran out in front of between 7000-10,000 fans, who were getting in early because we were playing the curtain-raiser for the Bledisloe Cup.

The crowd will probably be a similar size this week because of coronavirus restrictions, but thinking back to those who turned up early to watch us and the sell-out Bledisloe Cup crowd is the glimmer of light for everyone in Australian rugby.

Times are tough for everyone, not just Australian rugby. But we are committed to this great game because we love it and we know how great it can be if everyone pulls in the right direction.

I love the game as much as I did back when I was a kid spending hours to get to games and then jumping in the car to go home, or when I got to make my Australian junior debut.

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The challenge is putting in the sort of performances fans can relate to, and we certainly hope we can do that against the Waratahs in our second game of the domestic competition.

The Waratahs have a young side, but by no means are we going to take them lightly. Laurie Fisher made a presentation in our team meeting this week, detailing the statistics that show the Tahs are one of the most dangerous attacking team in the competition.

They haven't taken all of their opportunities, which is why they haven't won as many games as they would have liked. But it highlighted to us that they're going to be dangerous every time they touch the ball, which is why we need to be at our best to ensure we get the result we're after.

If all goes to plan, maybe the bus trip home will be a little more rowdy than the way up. And maybe, if we play well enough, a quick KFC stop on the way home will be the reward.