NSW Waratahs secure opening round 30-10 win over Queensland Reds
The NSW Waratahs have secured a 30-10 win over the Queenslands Reds in their opening round of Super Rugby 2016 at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
Played in front of a crowd of 24,044, the Tahs ran home four tries to one in their first clash of the year under new Head Coach, Daryl Gibson.
Fly-half Kurtley Beale put on a masterclass, halting the Reds attempts at points and setting up tries for his team during his 65-minute effort.
His combination with the Waratahs’ impressive backline, including 21-year-old debutant David Horwitz, All Black Zac Guildford and superstar fullback Israel Folau, was instrumental in the NSW attack.
Running on to the field for his first game since 2013, Jed Holloway was superb in the number 8 jersey, making line-breaks and punching through the defensive line.
The Tahs’ work ethic showed through their solid defence, conceding just the one try, despite Queensland pressuring their line for the last 20 minutes of the match.
Powerful from the opening few minutes, captain Michael Hooper made one of his typical line-breaks, handing it to Auckland born Angus Ta’avao for what looked like a try. The ref found a slight knock on, but the advantage wasn’t taken and Beale slotted the penalty goal to take a three-point lead.
Reds captain Rob Simmons was warned for his sides’ repeated infringements in the first 10 minutes, the Waratahs capitalising on the penalty with a beautifully constructed roving maul that saw Hooper score the Waratahs’ first try of the season, putting them ahead by 8-0.
A man down after Simmons was shown a yellow card, the Reds countered a line-break from Jed Holloway, turning over the ball and racing down the side line. They appeared certain to score until Beale put his body on the line in front of the attack to make a courageous yet outstanding try-saving tackle.
Queensland appeared to try and shut out fullback Israel Folau, the superstar only touching the ball from a kick-return once in the first 20 minutes.
But the Waratahs attacking style of rugby was proving too crafty for the Reds. Their second try came through Beale again, passing wide to Folau, who tipped onto a flying Zac Guildford. The ball just slipped away from Guildford across the try-line, but was quickly scooped up by Matt Carraro in support who dotted it down. The decision was handed to the TMO, but with a knock-on ruled out, the Waratahs were granted their second try of the night.
Just three minutes later the Tahs’ were in again, this time through a flick pass inside to Hooper. The ball was sent in debutant David Horwitz’s direction who, putting toe to ball, regathered nicely to secure his first Super Rugby five-pointer.
Bruising and consistent defence, as well as good discipline from the Waratahs capped off a good first half, the home side keeping Queensland scoreless to lead 20-0 at the break.
The second half started slow but the Reds found some consecutive phases and continuity with their attack. Coming off the bench, Japanese recruit Ayumu Goromaru handed the Reds some additional points in the form of a penalty goal.
With all the possession, the Reds continued to push the Waratahs try line, before their fly-half Jake McIntyre finally crossed the line with 20 minutes to go. A Goromaru conversion reduced their deficit to 10.
Moments later, NSW answered back thanks to break through from Carraro from inside his 22 metre line. The hasty winger darted through the defenders, passing to Beale who chipped and went to chase before being taken out by Goromaru. Nick Phipps was quick to pounce on the loose ball, sealing yet another try for the home side.
A penalty goal to substitute Tahs’ player Bryce Hegarty with 10 minutes remaining pushed their lead back out to 20 points.
The Reds fought right until the full time siren though as they continued to try to crack the Waratahs’ rock solid defence. But they were beaten by the clock and the scores remained at 30-10 to the Tahs at the 80 minute mark.
The NSW Waratahs head to the nation’s capital next week to face the Brumbies in Round two at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Friday 4th March.
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