The Waratahs have emphatically defeated the Cheetahs 33-58 in Bloemfontein.
The Cheetahs had nothing to lose and threw everything at the Waratahs as an incredible 14 tries were scored throughout the match.
The Match
The Waratahs opened the match from where they left off the week before, immediately conceding a turnover to the Cheetahs.
The Waratahs took advantage of some poor discipline from the Cheetahs to give them some possession in the Cheetahs 22 before Israel Folau broke through the line to score in the corner. Foley could not add the extra points from out wide. 5-0 to the Waratahs after 5 minutes.
A couple of minutes later some strong attacking phases from the Waratahs saw Michael Hooper score in the opposite corner. This time Foley was able to convert to bring the score to 12-0 after 9 minutes.
The Cheetahs replied almost immediately after making a break down the sideline to see Francois Venter go over the line. Coenie Van Wyk converted to close the gap to 7-12 after 13 minutes.
The game was moving at a frenetic pace as a loose pass from Wycliff Palu gave an intercept try to Cornel Hendricks. Van Wyk added the extras to give the Cheetahs the lead, 12-14 after 15 minutes.
The Waratahs soon scored their third try in under 20 minutes through Matt Carraro off set piece play in the corner. Foley missed the conversion to keep the score at 14-17 after 19 minutes.
The Cheetahs came close to scoring several times in the next series of plays but the Waratahs defence held strong until a rolling maul 5 metres out from the Cheetahs saw a try to Boom Prinsloo. Van Wyk added to extra two points for the Cheetahs to take the lead, 21-17 after 29 minutes.
The Waratahs hit back just before half time to earn their four try bonus point through Israel Folau. Foley missed the conversion again but the Waratahs remained in front by one point, 21-22 after 39 minutes. The Waratahs were not finished for the half after Israel Folau made a break off the kick off. Taqele Naiyaravoro then scored in the corner and Foley converted to put the Waratahs out to 21-29 at the break.
The Waratahs began the second half where they left off the first with a try to Adam Ashley-Cooper. Foley, once again, could not convert, 21-34 after 42 minutes.
Willie Le Roux came off the bench and instantly made an impact, setting up Cornel Hendricks for a chip and chase to score in the corner for his double. The conversion was successful to narrow the gap to 28-34.
Moments later, the Waratahs scored through a great team try which saw Israel Folau get his hat-trick. Rayno Benjamin was yellow carded for attempting to trip Folau as he scored. Foley converted successfully, 28-41 after 60 minutes. Foley then added three more points after the Cheetahs conceded a penalty shortly afterwards.
The Waratahs were putting pressure on the Cheetahs line before they successfully turned the ball over. The Cheetahs attempted to run the ball but it was intercepted by Bernard Foley virtually on the line. Foley converted his own try to take the score out to 28-51 after 72 minutes.
A few minutes later Matt Carraro went over for his second try in the corner. Foley kicked the extras to take the score out to 28-58.
Francois Venter broke the Waratahs line just before full time to get five more points for the Cheetahs.
Final score: 33-58
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The Game Changer
The two tries on either side of half time to the Waratahs put gave them some breathing space between the Cheetahs.
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The G&GR MOTM
Israel Folau was dangerous almost ever time he touched the ball and was rewarded with a hat-trick. A notable mention also goes to Adam Ashley-Cooper who was strong in defence and attack and earned a couple of turnovers.
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Wallaby watch
Despite not being regular starters, Matt Carraro, Hugh Roach and Mitch Chapman all had solid games. Despite not being eligible for the Wallabies, Jacques Potgieter also had a good game, taking several strong, hard hit-ups.
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The Details
Crowd:
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Cheetahs: 33
Tries: Venter 2, Hendricks 2, Prinsloo
Conversions: Van Wyk 3
Penalties: [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Waratahs: 58
Tries: Folau 3, Hooper, Carraro 2, Naiyaravoro, Ashley-Cooper, Foley
Conversions: Foley 5
Penalties: Foley[/one_half]
Cards & citings
Yellow card: Rayno Benjamin
