Everything on the line. Brumbies had to win to stay in contention, the Waratahs had to win to get first spot and the all-important home final.
The Match
The game started with the Brumbies playing like the Brumbies do – winning the kicking duels and slowing the breakdown with hands on the ball. The Tahs changed their strategy for this game, looking to go forward first rather than going wide. They also kicked much more than usual but although most of the kicks were good the Brumbies replies were even better. It was a high energy arm wrestle with no points to either team for the first 15 mins. Lilo hit the post from the first kickable penalty and then Robinson went over from a series of forward charges. Foley converted for Tahs 7-0. Kuridrani had gone off for concussion bringing on Rod Iona, a Canberra club player, for his first Brumby game. Almost immediately after, Alofa grabbed an intercept from him and ran 65 metres to score. Foley converted for 14-0.
Although well up at 20 mins the Waratahs were looking vulnerable. Murphy was throwing like a prop, so the Brumby lineouts were not as dominant as usual. The scrum battle was fluctuating and a good scrum from the Brumbies saw a turnover penalty. Under advantage, Lealiifano kicked wide and Mogg jumped over an out of position Folau for a great try. Not converted, 14-5. Palu was making metres at every run, but Potgieter running off Beale’s shoulder was not working and probably the ball needed to go wider occasionally. Then Dennis went down with an ACL injury, with Hoiles on as his replacement. At this stage the Brumbies were very competitive and the teams went to half time with no further score.
Auelua came on for Smiler in the second half. The Waratahs won a penalty off a good scrum and kicked it for 17-5. Mogg then took another screamer over Folau from a midfield bomb – that made two for the night; who’d have thought? A great passing interchange between Foley and Beale made good metres and Foley missed a subsequent penalty, the wind was making place kicking difficult. Surprisingly, Robinson was replaced by Ryan. The Brumbies were still winning the breakdown with Fardy having an immense game; almost as good as Palu.
But the Brumbies’ hands on the ball strategy finally blew up in their faces with a general warning that the next incident would mean a card. A great run by Beale followed by an even better one by Folau had Folau missing a try because no grounding was visible to the TMO. The resulting 5 metre scrum saw the Brumbies win a penalty by boring in which released pressure. Then an Auelua ruck infringement saw him get a yellow card. The penalty was kicked to touch and a lineout drive saw the Waratahs almost in. The ball was cleared to Foley, who dummied to Skelton and ran in unopposed. Conversion kicked and Waratahs led 24-8.
Murphy went off for Holmes who now has played for four Super franchises. A great Waratah ensemble backs run was stopped by a knock on 10 metres out. With one man advantage the Waratahs scrum was on top and the ball was released, passed from one side of the field to the other for Alofa to score a second time in the corner. Foley converted for 31-8 and the precious bonus point.The Waratahs kicked a penalty for 34-8 and then Palu finished a great move off by scoring in the corner in the last moments of the match.
It was a comprehensive Waratah win against a weakened Brumbies, who played their hearts out. Had they played as well in SA they might not be in this position, but the Brumbies may now miss the finals completely, although the Force capitulation to the Blues may see them just scrape in. Following the Crusaders demise earlier, the top spot and home final is the Waratah’s to lose.
[one_third last=”no”]
The Game Changer
The game changing moment came at half time when Cheika demanded more physicality and better play and the Waratahs delivered in spades. Up till then, despite the nine point lead they looked very vulnerable. [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
The G&GR MOTM
The MoM was Cliffy Palu. He was immense every time he received the ball, making metres at will. Folau, Beale, Foley, Hooper, Polota-Nau and Kepu were all excellent. Fardy for the Brumbies was nearly as good as Palu and White, Sio, Rathbone and Mogg stood tall. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
Wallaby watch
No non-Wallabies made a call for promotion, though Speight was good at outside centre. Dennis is now out of contention. [/one_third]
The Details
Crowd: 29,000. Best crowd this season. Play like real Waratahs and the crowds will come.
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Waratahs 39
Tries: Robinson, Alofa (2), Foley, Palu
Conversions: Foley 4/5
Penalties: Foley 1/2, Beale 1/2
[/one_half][one_half last=”yes”]Brumbies 8
Tries: Mogg
Conversions: Lealiifano 0/1
Penalties: Lealiifano 1/2[/one_half]
Cards & citings
Yellow card: Auelua
