Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper says it's been tough to see the NSW Waratahs' struggles from afar, but he's backing the playing group to work hard and turn things around.
The Waratahs appear set for a season of gloom after following up their 41-7 loss to the Reds with a record 61-10 hammering at the hands of the Brumbies.
The disastrous results have heaped pressure on coach Rob Penney, who has said he will be "happy to go gracefully" if the club deemed he isn't the right man to take the team forward.
Hooper has been the heart and soul of the Waratahs since joining in 2013, but he is currently on sabbatical with Japanese Top League outfit Toyota Verblitz.
The 29-year-old said it had been tough watching from afar as the Waratahs faltered.
"It's very tough. I love the club, love the Waratahs, love a lot of the guys in there, so I know they'll be doing it tough," Hooper said.
"But there are some really good eggs in there who will be doing everything they can to swing that around."
The Waratahs have lost more than 1800 caps of Super experience over the past two years following a mass player exodus.
Force recruit Tom Robertson said he wasn't happy at the Waratahs last year due to off-field issues at the club.
"I don't know about the way Tom feels, he'll have to speak for himself," Hooper said when asked about Robertson's comments.
"I know that the players I've been involved with there are doing their best to try to make the club a better place and grow as a playing group and put our best foot forward.
"I know that's what the guys are about back there."
The Waratahs will be aiming to notch their first win of the season when they host the Western Force on Friday night.
Australian Associated Press
