Walsh had a bad night, but that was not a try - once tackled a player may not crawl/spring forward off the ground. In some ways it was a shame for AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) as when he ran the ball he did look dangerous.
The Tahs really missed the Palu/TPN go forward (and their punishing defence) - Mowen is certainly no replacement for either. Dennis made some good runs though, and he was a very effective defender.
Barnes still kicks too much, and both teams made a lot of poor kicks - but the desire to play in the other half is understandable given the fact that there was no predicting Walsh's next move.
The scrums were not well managed, and the penalty given against the Tahs in the scrum following the one the Brumbies collapsed in order to stop a pushover try really got up my nose....in some ways that was a mistake from Waugh, because if Walsh didn't give a penalty try the first time it was unlikely he would give one the second time (and very likely that the Brumbies would collapse again and 'roll the dice' for a potential penalty), tap and go would have been the best option.
Ball security at the breakdown was a problem for both teams, but you could also say that there were a few periods of very intense play which stretched the fitness of both teams and left pilferring opportunities.
Waugh had another decent game - really put himself about, which is amazing for someone so..um... chunky (says me in my skin tight 2XL Tahs jersey).
Turner really has some pace, and his try was a well worked one. One day he might get some good ball too.
Carter did enough, but Horne was a big loss - what is up with his 'bum niggle'? are we talking cheek or right in the date here Mr Hickey?
Beale played very well, even his defence was pretty strong, up untill late in the match...and he gets the Phil Waugh Award for impressive head cuts too. He runs well in traffic, is quite elusive, has a big kick, thinks fast. He ahs lost a bit of his pace, but is still quick enough.
Holmes really sucks, and Burgess wasn't tat much better when he came on - if there are no decent scrum halves on the Waratahs' books maybe they need to recruit a league hooker with a good pass (I've always thought this was a sadly unexplored option).
Overall, the game wasn't all that flash, but a win in a local derby over the Brumbies is not an easy run thing. 4 competition points is a good result for the Tahs (esp considering the injuries - not that the Brumbies are without those too).
Bring on the Kiwis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
