Tag: new south wales

The NSW Waratahs have rediscovered their tryscoring mojo to consolidate their position in the top six with a 39-30 win over the Hurricanes.

Disorganised and misdirected, the Waratahs were lucky to lead 7-0 before a catalystic retailiation from the Hurricanes, resulting in the travelling side putting 24 unanswered points on the board.

Following their early deficit, the Hurricanes’ came out firing with three tries and a penalty goal. Toomanga-Allen got the scoring underway for the Canes’ with a barreling try, soon followed by a penalty goal to fly half Beauden Barrett.

The Hurricanes continued the onslaught through a five pointer to standout Barrett followed by a quick fire try to winger Julian Savea.

Desperate to make amends for their previous lapse in concentration, the Warahtahs counter attack was relentless as they finished the half with an even scoreboard. Captain Dave Dennins, and Bernard Foley receive the plaudits as the enforcers got their side back on track.

The second half was off to a flyer with the Waratahs looking ominous. It was hard to find adequate superlatives for their inspired display and Matthew Carraro received the rewards following a brilliant inside ball, sending the flying winger over the line. Foley’s standout performance was further highlighted through his outstanding vision and playmaking ability.

The Waratahs may have been on top but their discipline was lacking. Two successive penalty goals for Barrett had the Hurricanes’ trailing by one and well and truly back in the game.

Stephen Hoiles was ultimately the difference between the two, with the substitute scoring his first try in an astonishing eight years. Making a brilliant break, only to be caught, the veteran soon found himself in the action again and had the ball over the line – giving the Waratahs a six point lead.

Michael Cheika’s heart would’ve been in his mouth in the dying ten as the Hurricanes’ made a couple of dangerous line breaks and were gifted a penalty.

However, it was ultimately the Hurricanes’ who shot themselves in the foot. Giving away a sloppy penalty, followed by a march for backchat, Foley was happy to finish the game with another penalty goal, capping off an outstanding performance with six conversions and a brilliant try.

Beauden Barrett deserves special mention for the Hurricanes’, the fly-half emulated Foley’s effort and was the standout for his side. The sharpshooter arguably the man of the man if the result had gone his way.

Sam Alexander

Article published on sportal.com.au – http://www.sportal.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/waratahs-topple-hurricanes-in-nail-biter/r56b5z69ob9c10e5fvk1rgmm5