The Waratahs have continued their good home form, defeating the lacklustre Melbourne Rebels 32-8.
Photos courtesy of @KeithMcInnes
The Match
The Waratahs continued their home tradition of scoring quickly, this time taking just three minutes to get on the board thanks to a try to Alofa Alofa. It was brought about by good hands in the backline from Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley and Jacques Potgeiter, though Alofa ignored an unmarked Michael Hooper on his inside, choosing instead to dummy and score in the corner. It cost his side two points, with Foley unable to convert a kick that would have been a gimme if Alofa had passed to Hooper.
That was the high point of the half really, apart from a Scott Higginbotham try in the 20th minute the rest of it was a steaming pile of crap. The Tahs had the bulk of the ball but lacked intensity, and struggled to create any opportunities. The Rebels defended valiantly and had almost evened things up by the end of the half. Tom Kingston put in a try-saving tackle after a Foley chip-and-chase found Israel Folau, who most assumed was home and hosed. They ended the half at 11-8 to the Tahs, with both sides having a conceivable shot at taking the game.
The second half started like the first, with a quick Waratahs try to a winger- but it was Stinky Pete Betham this time, who ran 30m after receiving a nice inside ball from Kurtley Beale off a lineout. The Tahs roll continued with a break to Bernard Foley, and a nice chip kick which was just mopped up by Angus Roberts. It looked like they had scored through Benn Robinson soonafter, however it was overturned by the TMO for an earlier knock on. The locals were not to be denied though, with AAC taking a beautiful turnover before the ball was passed wide to a charging Kurtley Beale, who then performed a lovely switch with Folau, who crossed under the sticks. Only ten minutes into the half and the Tahs were up 25-8.
The Rebels were fighting, but their cause wasn’t helped when Roberts received a yellow card after throwing the ball into the crowd to prevent a Tahs quick lineout. The home side couldn’t capitalise though, failing to score while Roberts was off the field. The game stagnated in the ensuing period- the Rebels had a lot of possession but couldn’t penetrate the physical Tahs defence- Cliff Palu, Kane Douglas and Potgieter were belting blokes left, right and centre. With seven minutes to play the Tahs put the game away and secured the bonus point with another try to Folau after a Beale break in midfield. 32-8 finals score, and the sky blue caravan rolls on.
It wasn’t a high quality game, but apart from a ten minute period at the end of the first half the Waratahs never really looked troubled. The Rebels just couldn’t break the game open, and their usual star performers – Hugh Pyle, Mitch Inman, Luke Burgess – had quiet ones. Higgers was the exception, I thought he tried hard and looked the only player capable of causing any trouble. It’s back to the drawing board for Tony McGahan, who will be left scratching his head yet again.
For the Tahs it was a bit of a mixed bag. They were sluggish in the opening half, but got their shit together for long enough to put the Rebels away. Their physical defence was impressive, and the Victorians really struggled to get any sort of forward momentum. The backline clicked in the second half, with Beale, Folau and Foley all impressive. The ability to convert chances from long range will please Michael Cheika, though there are certainly still a few rough edges that need polishing, with the lineout and scrum performance again a bit patchy.
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The Game Changer
The early second half try to Peter Betham killed off the momentum the Rebels had built up at the end of the first half, and the home side never looked back.
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The G&GR MOTM
I have shunned the backs for a hard-working forward, the irresistible Jacques Potgieter. He was everywhere, making big hits, charging runs and powerful cleanouts. Edges out Beale, Hooper and Douglas.
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Wallaby watch
Sadly the Rebels cohort did nothing to impress, but I thought Kane Douglas had a great game. Did the grunt work well. Kurtley Beale also put forward an eye-catching performance.
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The Details
Crowd: 16,600 (approx)
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Waratahs: 32
Tries: Folau 2, Alofa, Betham
Conversions: Foley 3
Penalties: Foley 2[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Rebels: 8
Tries: Higginbotham
Penalties: Hegarty
[/one_half]
Cards & citings
Angus Roberts YC (preventing quick lineout)
