The Waratahs broke their drought in the Republic in fine style, demolishing the Southern Kings 72-10.
The Match
The Kings were never in it. I could give you a blow-by-blow account of the tries, linebreaks, runs, tackles, scrums and lineouts, but I don’t think that would come close to the previous sentence. The Kings were never in it.
It all started with the kick-off, as all games do. Just 20 seconds after that, Israel Folau was away (thanks to a lovely screen by Cliff Palu). Two deft passes later and Cam Crawford was over and the Waratahs were on the scoreboard. They were never caught. From there the Tahs went on a try-scoring spree, with first half tries to Folau, Crawford (again), Kane Douglas, Peter Betham and Michael Hooper. The only blemish came just before the break, with Sergeal Peterson pulling off an intercept which he followed up with one of the most unjustifiably exuberant celebrations I have ever seen. They went to the sheds at 46-10 and the game was long gone.
The carnage continued in the second half, with more tries to Crawford (again), Betham (again), Dave Dennis, Ben Volavola and Tom Kingston. Almost all were scored thanks to a combination of methodical build-up, lovely passing and poor Kings defence. The final score was 72-10, the Waratahs’ largest ever winning margin in Super Rugby.
It would be easy to say that the scoreline was mainly due to poor Kings defence, but that would be wrong. The Tahs finally clicked like we hoped they would, and everything they touched turned to gold. They played a wide-ranging style of footy, and for once backed it up with almost immaculate basic skills. Very few balls were dropped, very few unecessary passes were forced. Support at the breakdown was excellent, and their defence was also stellar. The scrum and lineout both functioned well. It was a complete 80 minute performance, and as a result the Kings never had a chance.
This was the performance long-suffering Tahs fans had been waiting for. Yes it was against the competition cellar-dwellers, but they are no slouches – just ask the Brumbies, Force and Rebels. No side has broken down their defence so comprehensively. Let’s just hope they can back it up against the better sides – what better way to start than against the Stormers at home this week?
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The Game Changer
Israel Folau’s linebreak after about 20 seconds. I thought the Kings looked OK in those opening seconds, and with the score locked at 0-0 you thought they had a chance. But Folau’s break and subsequent offload ended that, and the remaining 4,780 seconds were unhappy ones for the Port Elizabethans.
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The G&GR MOTM
As much as it would be easy to give it to ‘that man’ Folau, I am going to go with Bernard Foley. He had a hand in everything the Tahs did, and led them around the field with aplomb. His rise continues. Crawford, Betham, McKibbin and Hooper were also standouts.
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Wallaby watch
Michael Hooper had another standout performance, and Wycliff Palu was also impressive. Benn Robinson continues to dominate opposing tight-heads while Folau just keeps getting better, just when you think it isn’t possible. His defence this week was particularly impressive. The question now is not ‘if’ he will be picked, it’s ‘where’.
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The Details
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”yes”]Kings: 10
Tries: Peterson
Conversions: Catrakilis
Penalties: Catrakilis
[one_half last=”yes”]Waratahs: 72
Tries: Crawford 3, Betham 2, Folau, Douglas, Hooper, Dennis, Kingston, Volavola.
Conversions: McKibbin 5, Lucas 2
Penalties: McKibbin
Cards & citings
None
