The Waratahs have defeated the Brumbies 26-8 in a thrilling encounter at Allianz Stadium. The Waratahs will play the Crusaders in their first grand final since 2008 next weekend at ANZ Stadium.
The Match
The game started at a rapid pace with the Brumbies making their way up field with some effective kicking. The Waratahs put on some big defence before Alofa Alofa scooped up a loose ball to score the opening try of the match. Foley missed the conversion but the Waratahs were ahead 5-0 after 3 minutes.
A few minutes later Jacques Potgieter made a big break through the midfield but the opportunity was not converted after the Waratahs knocked the ball on.
The Brumbies earned a couple of penalties due to an uncharacteristically weak Waratahs scrum; however, the Waratahs soon earned a penalty of their own out in right to extend their lead to 8-0 and 21 minutes.
After several minutes of pounding the Waratahs try line the Brumbies were able to score in the corner through Henry Speight. Christian Lealiifano missed the conversion to bring the score to 8-5 after 30 minutes.
A penalty for not rolling away allowed Lealiifano to even it up at 8-8 after 39 minutes. A minute later the Waratahs were awarded a penalty for hands in the ruck and went into half time with the lead at 11-8.
The second half started almost immediately with a penalty to the Brumbies for the Waratahs being offside. Lealiifano missed the kick from almost in right.
In the 47th minute Kurtley Beale ripped the ball off Jesse Mogg in the tackle to score in the corner. Bernard Foley hit the post and failed to add the extras.
Moments later the Brumbies came close to scoring through Tevita Kuridrani and then Robbie Coleman but the desperate Waratahs defence held them out.
The Waratahs continued with their brutal defence and continued to hold the Brumbies out for the majority of the half.
A high tackle on Nick Phipps allowed Bernard Foley to add another 3 points to bring the score to 19-8.
An incredible counter attack from the Waratahs which included a big run from Will Skelton allowed Foley to score one of the tries of the season. Foley converted his own try to bring the final score to 26-8.
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The Game Changer
Bernard Foley’s try in the 75th minute shut the gates for the Brumbies.
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[one_third last=”no”]
The G&GR MOTM
Jacques Potgieter was very impressive his physicality and aggression all over the park. He received a well deserved standing ovation when he came off the field. Waratahs captain Michael Hooper was also a standout, making several good shots in defence.
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[one_third last=”yes”]
Wallaby watch
Tevita Kuridrani is continuing to cement his place in the Wallaby midfield after another strong performance putting on big hits and making plenty of metres.
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The Details
Crowd: 38 800 (biggest Sydney Super Rugby crowd since 2005)
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Waratahs:
Tries: Alofa Alofa, Kurtley Beale, Foley
Conversions: Foley
Penalties: Foley 3[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Brumbies:
Tries: Henry Speight
Conversions:
Penalties: Lealiifano [/one_half]
Cards & citings
Yellow card: Taqele Naiyaravoro
