Chiefs 19 – Waratahs 46
What a performance, what a turnaround, what a finish we’re looking at. In one week the Tahs have gone from outhouse to penthouse, the difference being pure desire.
It’s hard to find a man who didn’t stand up to be counted today. Every single one of the pack played out of their skins – in all areas they outclassed the Chief’s eight; generating an amount of possession and go forward that the Waikato men simply couldn’t live with. While the ball security at the tackle was a vast improvement, the pick and go and driving mauls were things of beauty.
Pat McCutcheon had an impressive debut at 6, looking at home in a high performing back row. Dean Mumm‘s workrate was outstanding; he and Douglas making a great lock pairing. Worrying though was the look of both Benn Robinson and Tatafu Polota-Nau, who still appear to be carrying troubling injuries. The former had already destroyed the chiefs tighthead before he left the field, and the latter not only scored a try but carried like a wounded bull until subbed.
While I can’t say the back-line clicked like a well oiled machine, I can say that to a man they put the ball in front of the man and ran with conviction. They also took their opportunities superbly. Stand-outs were Drew Mitchell and Kurtley Beale; they both broke tackles at will as well as finishing and creating. Beale has become a revelation at 15 and key to the Tahs attack; he made made more runs (14), metres (134) and line-breaks (3) than any other in Waikato Stadium.
Meanwhile, the halves combination also turned over a new leaf. While his passing was like a mad woman’s shit, Luke Burgess’s speed and gain-line linking from the breakdown allowed the Tahs to play with the tempo the Chiefs couldn’t handle. I have no doubt this was partly due to the more assured role Barnes played at 10; directing traffic and calling for where and when he wanted the ball. Barnes also re-introduced himself as an attacking threat, the two direct runners in Carter and Horne keeping the Chiefs cover honest.
While it has to remembered that this rag tag 2010 Chiefs team is only beaten by the Lions in how many points it’s surrendered, losing 5/6 games at home this season; both the manner and the size of the Waratah’s riposte to last week’s effort is excellent for what lies ahead from the Canes in Sydney next Friday. Come next f*cken Friday, it’s time to roll these c*nts.
WALLABY WATCH
Put his hand up: Drew Mitchell. Had both the X-factor and determination in full flow. Must be the butch hair
Did himself no favours: Can’t pick one. Although Walsshhie is torture to watch
Bolter watch: Has Beale thrown another hat in the ring for Wallaby 15?
HSBC Waratahs 46 (Drew Mitchell, Ben Mowen, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Lachie Turner, Damien Fitzpatrick tries; Berrick Barnes 2 cons, pen, Daniel Halangahu 2 cons) d Chiefs 19 (Jackson Willison 2, Tim Nanai-Williams tries; Callum Bruce con, Dwayne Sweeney con) at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton. HT: HSBC Waratahs 20-0. Referee: Steve Walsh.
By the clock
3rd – Drew Mitchell try; Berrick Barnes missed conversion. HSBC Waratahs 5-0
23rd – Ben Mowen try; Berrick Barnes conversion. HSBC Waratahs 12-0
29th – Tatafu Polota-Nau try; Berrick Barnes missed conversion. HSBC Waratahs 17-0
38th – Berrick Barnes penalty goal. HSBC Waratahs 20-0
41st – Berrick Barnes try; Berrick Barnes conversion. HSBC Waratahs 27-0
61st – Tim Nanai-Williams try; Callum Bruce missed conversion. HSBC Waratahs 27-5
64th – Kurtley Beale try; Daniel Halangahu conversion. HSBC Waratahs 34-5
68th – Lachie Turner try; Daniel Halangahu missed conversion. HSBC Waratahs 39-5
73rd – Jackson Willison try; Callum Bruce conversion. HSBC Waratahs 39-12
78th – Jackson Willison try; Dwayne Sweeney conversion. HSBC Waratahs 39-19
80th – Damien Fitzpatrick try; Daniel Halangahu conversion. HSBC Waratahs 46-19
