The Waratahs have won the Super Rugby title for the first time ever defeating the Crusaders 33-32 in a thriller at ANZ Stadium.
The Match
The Waratahs kicked off and regathered possession from the kick off. They soon earned a penalty after the Crusaders went off their feet at the breakdown. Bernard Foley had no troubles sending it through the posts to take the score to 3-0 after 2 minutes.
Two minutes later Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed over after a fantastic team try where the Waratahs dragged the Crusaders from sideline to sideline. Bernard Foley was unable to add the extra 2 points. 8-0 after 5 minutes.
Loud chants from the crowd of ‘New South Wales’ gave the Waratahs some more confidence as they earned another penalty right in front. Bernard Foley slotted it to give the Waratahs an 11 point lead.
The score was then 14-0 after 15 minutes after Bernard Foley kicked another penalty from almost in front.
Before the Waratahs looked like running away with it, the Crusaders then crossed through Matt Todd after a great 70 metre counter attack. Dan Carter added the extras to take the score to 14-7 after 19 minutes. Shortly afterwards, Wycliff Palu was replaced by Will Skelton after he went off for a concussion test.
Again, the Waratahs earned a penalty after a Crusaders infringement to take the score to 17-7 to the Waratahs.
After an effective maul the Crusader final earned a penalty of their own. Colin Slade had no troubles to bring the score to 17-10. Wycliff Palu then returned from the bench after a successful concussion test.
Dan Carter also went down with an injury after kicking the ball. He was unable to continue which was a significant blow for the Crusaders and he was soon replaced by Tom Taylor.
The Crusaders closed the gap after another penalty to Colin Slade but the Waratahs hit back immediately with another 3 points from Bernard Foley. The Waratahs went into halftime with a six point lead, 20-13.
The Crusaders shocked the Waratahs as they opened the second half with a try from Nemani Nadolo. Colin Slade successfully converted to lock up the scores at 20-20.
A scrum penalty to the Crusaders allowed them to take the lead for the first time in the match. It was not for long though, three minutes later Foley replied with another penalty to tie the scores up again at 23-23.
The penalty battle continued as Colin Slade kicked another three points, 23-26.
Moments later the Waratahs crossed again through Adam Ashley-Cooper after several periods of applying pressure to the Crusaders. Bernard Foley was able to convert to give the lead back to the Waratahs. 30-26 after 64 minutes.
Colin Slade kicked another penalty from in right to take them within a point, 29-30.
In the 75th minute, the Crusaders got a penalty out in front once again. Colin Slade put his side in the lead with just 5 minutes remaining, 30-32.
In the 78th minute, Bernard Foley landed a penalty from 45 metres out after the Crusaders entered the ruck incorrectly.
[one_third last=”no”]
The Game Changer
The game was in the balance until the dying stages but Bernard Foley’s final penalty sealed the deal. [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
The G&GR MOTM
There were many contenders for MOTM which included Adam Ashley-Cooper’s double but Bernard Foley’s calmness with the boot especially in the final moments allowed the Waratahs to win the match.
[/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
Wallaby watch
Stephen Hoiles was the enforcer around the ruck. The Crusaders would have stolen the ball a lot more often if it was not for his efforts. [/one_third]
The Details
Crowd: 61, 823 (record Super Rugby crowd)
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Waratahs:
Tries: Adam Ashley-Cooper 2
Conversions: Bernard Foley
Penalties: Bernard Foley 7[/one_half][one_half last=”yes”]
Crusaders:
Tries: Matt Todd, Nemani Nadolo
Conversions: Dan Carter, Colin Slade
Penalties: Colin Slade 6[/one_half]
Cards & citings
None
