THE career of Waratahs prop Benn Robinson came to a crossroads when coach Ewen McKenzie called him into his Moore Park office two days after NSW lost to the Chiefs in round two to tell him he was dropped.

"Ewen made a challenge," Robinson says. "He said, 'You are at a critical point. You can make a tough decision. You can either work hard and knuckle down again or you can go the other way and get pissed off about it'."

The demotion, allowing for recruit Sekope Kepu's promotion into the side, naturally cut deep into his pride. But once the hurt eased, Robinson took McKenzie's message as an incentive.

Week by week, as the Waratahs forged their way to the semi-final they play against the Sharks tomorrow, the loosehead prop worked on his scrummaging technique, ball handling, running game and fitness. The work and the evidence of his fighting spirit all helped renew McKenzie's interest in Robinson - as did his playing for the Junior Waratahs.

Then came the call Robinson had longed for, the one that said: "Benn, you are back in the side." It came the week before NSW took on and defeated the Cheetahs at the Sydney Football Stadium in round seven. But, importantly, Robinson was both recalled and promoted - McKenzie included him in the starting side.

Eight games have passed since and Robinson is yet to relinquish that cherished No.1 jumper. After naming him for the ninth time yesterday, McKenzie said Robinson deserved every praise.

Recalling how Robinson had received the news of being dropped from the 22-man squad in that "frank" meeting two days after the loss in Hamilton, McKenzie said: "I wouldn't say without disappointment. But he took on the challenge. He has done outstandingly well. I felt 2007 wasn't his best footy. In 2006 he played real well [including six Tests]. The challenge was how he could find a way to get that back.

"I probably treated him pretty mean in terms of selection with 'Keps' coming. And we didn't give him his spot back easily."

Robinson didn't find getting it back easy either. But it is no coincidence that now he is playing well and has cemented his place in the side again he is enjoying his rugby once more. There's also talk of a return to the Wallabies squad.

"It was really tough," Robinson says. "But it was good for me. Ewen said he wanted to see that fire in me again. It made me look at my game and focus on enjoying my game again. I am loving every game I play now."

So much so that he admits he admits he gives "that wink every now and then" to those he knows in the crowd. "It is that mental edge for me," he says. "When I am out there enjoying rugby I play good rugby."

The Waratahs scrum has developed into a force and Robinson is quick to insist that any plaudits for an individual's performance reflect the strengths of those around him. The pack is not just about eight players, rather it is a squad that includes reserves and which has rotated regularly this season. Its strength has not developed overnight and, indeed, is still a work in progress that stems back 18 months. It is yet to peak.

"We have had plenty of combinations," says hooker Adam Freier. "It is not just about the front row, either. The back five behind us never get the rap it deserves when the scrum goes well. We have some big humans there.

"The second-rowers don't just stick their heads between two rear ends and push. They have tactics, too, and ways to get it right. The back row also have their job. If they pack right, I'll tell you, every time our scrum goes well."

The NSW scrummagers respect the Sharks outfit that demolished the Chiefs last weekend in Durban but they are relishing the opportunity to take them on tomorrow night.

"They will target our scrum," Freier says. "They always target our set piece. We are not saying we are world-beaters. But we are up for the challenge."