“I was fairly happy that day and put a fair bit of credence on that (win) but this week, I definitely didn’t hold winning or losing in the same regard,” Coleman said.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am disappointed in the scoreline, but I certainly am not stressing. I saw enough in that first half that when we add a few more pieces and some more polish, we will be there and thereabouts. We weren’t good enough. Full credit to Melbourne, they were definitely better than us on the day.”

Hooker Dave Porecki and lock Hugh Sinclair will both miss the next two trials after aggravating calf/achilles tendon injuries, but are hoped to be ready for Super Rugby’s opening round against the Reds on February 24.

The Tahs first meet the Reds in their annual trial clash in Roma on Saturday, and Amatosero is set to replace Sinclair after impressing Coleman. The Sydney-raised lock, who stands at 203cm and 125kg, has returned from a burgeoning career in France to chase his Wallabies dream.

“He was a shining light, exactly what we wanted: big, physical and energetic,” Coleman said.

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“He is not the finished product yet and will have some mistakes in him as he gets used to the speed of Super Rugby but as far as a raw specimen, he’s exactly what we need. He showed us enough there to be getting a spot in the starting team next week. The French game is slower but more physical, and he was very willing in the physicality, throwing his body around.”

Missing Mark Nawaqanitawase, Dylan Pietsch and Max Jorgensen, a patchwork Waratahs backfield had “creaky” moments in Melbourne but Nawaqanitawase and Pietsch will both return for a half against the Reds.

Jorgensen, who broke his leg at the Rugby World Cup, is pencilled in to return for the Waratahs in their third trial against Manly and Warringah club teams in two weeks’ time, and it is hoped he will be ready for round one.

Coleman also had praise for impressive young Rats and Junior Wallabies winger Archie Saunders, who came off the bench.

Captain Jake Gordon, prop Tom Lambert and hooker Mahe Vailanu are also set to be back in action this week. Charlie Gamble, who is set to replace Michael Hooper at No.7, was a late withdrawal due to a tight hamstring. Junior Wallabies rising star Ned Slack-Smith played in the role for the full trial and impressed the NSW coaching staff.

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