The Waratahs have continued their resurgence with a late try to Peter Betham giving them a 28-22 victory over the Brumbies in a pulsating derby thriller.
The Match
The game started slowly, with the Tahs building plenty of phases but not really getting anywhere. The Brumbies defence was solid across the field and the Tahs struggled to make the break. The Brumbies didn’t provide any surprises: they played a physical game heavily reliant on field position. They opened the scoring with a penalty to Christian Lealiifano, which was quickly countered by one to Brendan McKibbin.
The Waratahs were struggling at the lineout and the boot of Mogg and Toomua were keeping them trapped in their own half. They scored first after about 20 minutes, with Ben Mowen running a hard line close to the ruck to get over and after plenty of good patient buildup by the visitors. The Tahs again bounced back quickly, with a Rob Horne pass setting up a Drew Mitchell linebreak, which turned into three more points from McKibbin.
The Brumbies tryline was never really threatened during the first stanza, and they once again capitalised on a poor Waratahs lineout to force the Tahs into their own 22. The error then came through a loose pass, which in turn created a charged-down kick from Mitchell. Kuridrani made no mistake in finishing it off, and the Brumbies opened up an eight point lead late in the half. The Tahs lost two key forwards early, with Kane Douglas departing early after a head knock and TPN coming off after 35 with what looked like a shoulder injury. It was 13-6 to the Brumbies at half time.
The second half began like the first, with the Waratahs enjoying plenty of possession. A few substitutions changed the flavour of the game, with Horne and Lealiifano off with injuries and Barnes and McCabe on for their Wallaby auditions. And it was Barnes who struck the first blow, throwing a lovely pass to put Michael Hooper away in the corner. Barnes added the extras and it was all tied up.
The Tahs continued to build pressure, with nice runs from Betham and Ryan. The Brumbies line was holding, but only just. Ben Mowen and Henry Speight were putting in hard yards at the ruck, as was Peter Kimlin. The home side struck a further blow with another penalty goal to Barnes and a yellow card to Kuridrani after a cynical infringement on the Brumbies line. The Tahs lead for the first time, 16-13.
The Brumbies refused to go away though, and hit back instantly after George Smith drew a penalty and Jesse Mogg made no mistake of the kick. Despite being a man down they continued to press, with Toomua controlling the game nicely and Moore and Sio running well in heavy contact. Another long range penalty to Mogg and the Brumbies were in front, and he added yet another soon after to give the Brumbies a healthy six point lead. Mogg was having a beauty of a game, and looked the only Brumby capable of breaking the line. With Kuridrani back on you thought the Brumbies had it.
But at that point it looked like the visitors went into their shell, and the Tahs pounced. They got back into their rhythm, and a lovely long ball from Bernard Foley saw Barnes in a hole, and he ran 20m to score, carrying a few defenders over the line. Matt Lucas had come on for Brendan McKibbin and was really making a difference. The score was 22-21 to the Brumbies as we entered the championship minutes.
Both sides had their chances, but it was the Waratahs who struck with a try to Peter Betham after another good ball from Foley and some soft Brumbies defence. Slippery Pete ran a lovely line and the Tahs had a six point lead with just minutes left. The Brumbies had the last crack, but a rolling maul fell just short of the line and they couldn’t get it out. Scrum Tahs, then full time. The resurgence continues, with a 28-22 victory.
There will be plenty of discussions about Wallaby ramifications, and dominating that will be the injuries to TPN, Lilo, Horne, Smith and McCabe. TPN’s was easily the worst, and with a fractured arm he looks set to miss the Lions tests. There are suggestions Smith’s could be a medial strain which would mean six to eight weeks out. The others could be anything.
But overall it was a ripping game of rugby, a true derby but with plenty of skill and flair on show. Aussie rugby is in good shape.
Cover photo Andrew Frazer
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The Game Changer
The introduction of Berrick Barnes changed the flow of the game. His composure, skill and educated boot settled the Tahs and set them up for a second half charge.
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The G&GR MOTM
Yes, it is that man Berrick Barnes. Set up a try and scored one himself. Kicked the house down. Honourable mentions to Jesse Mogg, Ben Mowen, AAC and Bernard Foley.
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Wallaby watch
Ben Mowen beat Dave Dennis in the battle of the blindsides, and Horne had the edge on Lealiifano before both were subbed. Barnes put his name forward, while Mogg also showed some nice touches. Injuries are the bigger story, sadly.
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The Details
Crowd: 21,817
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Waratahs: 28
Tries: Hooper, Barnes, Betham
Conversions: Barnes 2
Penalties: McKibbin 2, Barnes 1
[one_half last=”yes”]Brumbies: 22
Tries: Mowen, Kuridrani
Conversions:
Penalties: Lealiifano 1, Mogg 3.
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Cards & citings
Kuridrani (YC) for hands in the ruck.
