The Waratahs have appointed former All Blacks and Crusaders flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens as their kicking coach.

Mehrtens scored 967 points in 70 Tests (the seventh most in history) and 990 in 87 Super Rugby matches (the fourth most in history).

When asked by nswrugby.com.au about how he would feel if a Waratahs penalty kick was successful in securing the underachieving side their first ever Super Rugby title, Mehrtens replied: 'I’d be chuffed for them. Obviously I spent a long time at the Crusaders and I still support the Crusaders, but I’m here working with these guys and as people and as rugby players I want them to get the best out of themselves. I’d be delighted if and when they do well this season.'

Mehrtens played down any suggestion of him becoming a hero among Tahs fans should their kickers succeed under his tutelage.

'I tell you what, if they’re knocking it over regularly every week then they’re the heroes and I’m happy with that,' Mehrtens said.

'I’m just here to try and put in place a bit of structure for them and have a bit of an independent voice. They’re used to their coaches talking to them four or five days a week, so just to have someone different, hopefully that’s helpful for them.'

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