The Waratahs have beaten the Bulls 19-12 in a close, low scoring encounter at Allianz Stadium.
Photos by Keith McInnes
The Match
The Waratahs got off to a flying start after they won the ball off the kick off. Then, it was straight out the backline and Israel Folau was under the posts within the first 30 seconds. Bernard Foley made the conversion from right in front and the Waratahs were up 7-0 after 2 minutes.
The Waratahs dominated the possession early on and the attack was looking dangerous with Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley creating plenty of opportunities. However, the attack was also littered with forward passes and soft turnovers which kept the Bulls in the match. Kurtley Beale missed a long range penalty attempt in the 9th minute but 9 minutes later Bernard Foley slotted a penalty from right in front to extend the lead to 10-0.
The Waratahs were awarded with another penalty in the 22nd minute after the Bulls were penalised for sealing off the ball to bring the score to 13-0. In the 39th minute the Bulls got a scrum penalty which was no problem for Jacques-Louis Potgieter who put some points on the board for the Bulls. Another infringement at the breakdown allowed Potgieter to close the gap to 13-6 at half time.
The Bulls came out firing after the break and were close to scoring on several occasions but earned a penalty to bring the score to 13-9. Kurtley Beale came off early in the second half with injury but it did not look to be too serious. Some strong Bulls attack had the Waratahs under pressure but some good counter attack from the Waratahs gave Bernard Foley the opportunity to give the Waratahs another 3 points; however, he missed and the score remained 13-9 after 58 minutes. The Bulls then gave away another penalty in their 22 for not staying on their feet. This time Foley was successful. 16-9 after 62 minutes.
A high tackle on Michael Hooper by Grant Hattingh allowed Foley to stretch the lead to a 10 point margin, the score was 19-9 after 65 minutes. The Bulls attack was relentless and they were rewarded with 3 points thanks to the boot of Potgieter. The Bulls continued to attack but the Waratahs were able to hold them out to seal a 7 point victory.
[one_third last=”no”]
The Game Changer
The Waratahs lost their spark after Kurtley Beale went off which let the Bulls back in the game.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
The G&GR MOTM
Michael Hooper was everywhere. Good runs and strong tackles.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]
Wallaby watch
Will Skelton ran hard and showed some classy ball-handling skills.[/one_third]
The Details
Score & Scorers
Waratahs:
Tries: Israel Folau
Conversions: Bernard Foley
Penalties: Bernard Foley 4
Bulls:
Tries: N/A
Conversions: N/A
Penalties: Jacques- Louis Potgieter 4
Cards & citings
Yellow Cards:
Bulls: Grant Hattingh
