Deflower: (tr. verb) to destroy the innocence, integrity, or beauty of; ravage; violate; despoil or force – amongst other things.
Yep, the Waratahs did all of that at Fort Nib last night to a hapless Western Force. In the process, the Tahs consigned the Force to the dustbin of 2011 Super Rugby history – which means this year they’ll be fighting it out with the Lions and Cheetahs for die hout lepel.
The Tahs are tracking at No. 2 in the Australian Conference, three points adrift of the rising Reds and fifth overall. Not bad for a team that stumbled for a moment but now seems to have started righting the ship. We’ll know more after their next two away fixtures, against the Blues and Reds.
The form that’s eluded some of these blokes returned last night and as a team they turned the screws on their opposition. A four-try bonus-point win against Queensland B is nothing to be sneezed at. Even ex-Forcey Ryan Cross had a decent game; probably the first he’s had in years….
I’m really pleased to see the return of the Benn Robinson of Twickenham 2008 fame. Well, not quite, but for Australian rugby’s sake we need him back to his best. In a good sign, perhaps both he and Cliffy Palu gave us a taste of things to come.
The Force seemed to me to be dispirited and the ‘losing culture’ theory is gaining some credibility. Here’s some subliminal unsolicited advice for Coach Woody: Rabbit O’Connor was dangerous at fullback with every touch. There, I’m not saying any more. He’s not involved enough, oops!
Willie Ripia (or Willie R as he’s known), didn’t feature at all but that’s not surprising given that he’s just back from a lengthy layoff. Expectations are way too high. Did he look like a future Wallaby to you, as some have been touting?
The Waratahs started the match in ‘Mr Spock, Warp Factor 3’ mode and completely dominated the early encounters and territory. That didn’t necessarily translate to points and it wasn’t until the 3oth minute that the ever-popular Tom Carter scored after a searing Burgo scrum break.
Try No. 2 was a Drew Mitchell special. Burgo put him into space around the halfway mark, and Shmoo bolted this way and that way and completely bamboozled all and sundry. Yes, there were a few Force defenders who didn’t cover themselves in glory — but Shmoo’s run was just all power, pace and evasion.
The halftime score was 17–3. It could have been more but KB was having an off night with the boot.
I’m not sure how many times TPN got attention last night but I’m suspecting that Dr Flahive and he are having a clandestine affair. I mean to say, she’s out there attending to his needs every five minutes and I think it’s starting to become obvious. Just back off Sharon!
In the second half, the Force gained more territory and possession but couldn’t break through. Their ball retention and unforced error rates were high and their line speed in defence fell away too. They were just put under too much pressure by the Tahs and folded at times. The Waratah forwards were easily gaining metres over the advantage line at every phase.
KB scored the next try with Burgo (that man again) putting him through a hole after a dab, and he easily ran around Shepherd to score (62nd minute). The last try was another Shmoo effort after substitute Dave ‘Den’ Dennis made a break down the left hand side of the field (67th minute). The fiinal score was 31–3.
For the Waratahs, Burgo was outstanding and his running from ruck and maul created all sorts of havoc. Mitchell was dangerous every time he touched the ball in space and Palu, despite a couple of scrum stuff-ups, was aggressive and physical. I was really pleased for Pat McCutcheon, who was an unsung hero at the breakdown.
As far as the Force goes, there weren’t too many whom you could talk up. JO’C of course, when he had the ball. He made a terrific break in the first half that unfortunately didn’t lead to a try. David Smith played well but there was little sign of the Honey Badger; maybe he’s in hibernation?
Wallaby Watch:
Put his hand up: Wallaby tourist Pat McCutcheon played a quality No. 7’s game, especially at the breakdown and in defence.
Did himself no favours: Barry Crocker used to pump out little beauties like ‘The One Eyed Trouser Snake’ and ‘Chunder in the Old Pacific Sea’. Last night we saw Cameron Shepherd’s version.
Bolter watch: Tom Carter? Nah, only joking….
