NSW Waratahs coach Bob Dwyer says he has no regrets about throwing rookie Ryan McGoldrick into the Super 12 cauldron against the in-form Blues.

Playing his first Super 12 game after switching from the Cronulla National Rugby League club last year, McGoldrick was targeted by the Blues, who have been touted as early title favourites.

The awesome Auckland back three of Doug Howlett, Rupeni Caucaunibuca and Joe Rokocoko, and clever five-eighth Orene Ai'i put the 22-year-old under constant pressure, forcing a number of handling errors and defensive lapses in the 31-18 loss.

But Dwyer defended the McGoldrick's performance, and his decision to select him ahead of Wallaby Scott Staniforth, who didn't even win a spot on the bench.

He said McGoldrick had earned his position with his Super 12 trial form, while Staniforth had struggled.

"I know there's been a bit written about Ryan McGoldrick but I didn't think he played too badly at all," Dwyer said.

"If there was one fault in his game I suppose it was that he didn't really know the ability of his teammates, and I suppose he hadn't been exposed to the pace of a Super 12 game before but until he plays his first Super 12 game, he'll never be exposed to it.

"I thought he did some really good things, some of his sliding in defence was excellent, some of his work running back to cover a couple of times was very good.

"He'll play better I know, but I didn't think his form was too bad."

Dwyer didn't rule out giving McGoldrick another run against the Cats, who were surprise 36-24 losers at home to the Bulls.

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