NSW Waratahs 14 Western Force 10
A sluggish Waratahs were ambushed by a rejuvenated Western Force in Perth last night who came within millimetres of causing an upset of cyclonic proportions.
The Force were a completely different side to last week’s shambles in Brisbane with turnover king Matt Hodgson again head and shoulders above any other player on the park.
The complacent Waratahs stayed in second gear for most of the match but defensively were on the ball when it counted (at the death) as the Force put the pressure on but failed to breach the line.
In fact, the Force were their own worst enemies as they lost discipline and composure at the sharp end of the game to allow the Tahs to escape.
Both teams were defensively excellent as the stats reveal – there were no actual linebreaks in the whole match.
The Waratahs looked anything but impressive in this game and I’d say they’ll need some time on the analyst’s couch to work out what’s in their head space.
They are coming 4th on the leaderboard but looked nothing like finalists against the last placed Force.
Cliffy Palu was sorely missed but Tatafu Polota-Nau took over his role as the human battering ram. He was without doubt the Tah’s best. Palu’s replacement Mowen was anonymous.
Their midfield is misfiring badly with Berrick Barnes wickedly out of form. I think that’s the worst game I’ve ever seen him play.
So far this season he’s coming about 4th in the Wallaby inside centre stakes after Faingaa, O’Connor and Lealiifano.
The Tahs most dangerous player was Shmoo Mitchell who gained yardage every time he ran the ball. He is playing with a great deal of confidence.
Surprisingly enough the Force lineout went swimmingly as they put considerable pressure on the Tahs.
Ryan Tyrrell must have had some tutoring from Tiger Woods (no, not in that) as his throwing yips vanished overnight with an accomplished display. He muscled up around the park as well.
Apart from Hodgson, other players to impress were young Ben McCalman – his workrate was exceptionally high, Sam Wykes until he went off with a leg injury and the ever bustling Brett Sheehan.
Rabbit O’Connor was closely marked all night and didn’t really have an opportunity to make an impression. David Hill looked very comfortable at 10 and Mark Bartholomeusz injected well from fullback.
This is really the only game so far that the Force have put themselves in a position to win, but they blew it. I thought the referee was a tad harsh on them at times but discipline was the key.
They’re up against a rampant Bulls side at home next week so it doesn’t get any easier. The good news is that some of their Wallaby players will be returning in the next few weeks so let’s hope they can string a few successes together.
There were two tries scored in the match. The first was with the Waratahs on attack in the Force 22, Halangahu put in a deft grubber kick at which Mitchell dived at, lifted off the deck and slewed over the line. It was a very skillful try.
The second was when the Tahs were on attack again winning pressured ruck ball. This was quickly palmed out to Barnes who, also under pressure, delivered it directly into Scott Staniforth’s hands. Shades of ‘Baldrick’ Haylett-Petty last week.
Staniforth showed that he’s lost none of his speed and took off like greased lightning to score under the posts in a 60m sprint. His four game stint is up next week but I dare say they’ll be wanting to resign him for a tad longer.
O’Connor kicked a penalty and a conversion, and Hangers a couple of conversions for the Tahs. He took over the kicking duties from Barnes who was replaced after a one from four success rate.
Let’s not forget that the Waratahs won the match and are now the leading Australian province although you have to wonder for how much longer.
They’ll need to dust off their ‘No 1’ game against the Blues next week if they’re to progress.
NSW WARATAHS 14 (Drew Mitchell try, Daniel Halangahu 2 conv, Berrick Barnes pen) defeated WESTERN FORCE 10 (Scott Staniforth try, James O’Connor con, pen)
Wallabies Watch
Put his hand up: Matt Hodgson. How good is this guy? He’s playing as well as George Smith at No 7. He outplayed Phil Waugh in this match, who himself was no slug.
Did himself no favours: Berrick Barnes. Another poor game for Barnes. He seems awfully out of sorts at the Waratahs – maybe he should have stayed in Brisbane?
Bolter watch: Ben McCalman. I’ve been impressed with this guy all season. Stepped up another notch against some of his old Sydney Uni mates. Outplayed Dennis and Mowen.
