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Within the first minute of the match, Waratahs fans were already treated to what they could expect for the next 80 minutes: sloppy attack and weak defence.
The Cheetahs used every advantage to win the match by one point, making it the Tahs’ third loss this season and third loss in a row to the Cheetahs.
After last week’s effort, expectations were high that the changed Waratahs backline would hold back the Cheetahs and produce a strong win.
This was not the case however, as the attack struggled to hold onto the ball and the defence left too many gaps with an end score of 27-26.
Although the Cheetahs gave away several penalties allowing the Tahs to come within a point in the 13-minute, the Waratahs continued to struggle to hold the pill in tackles and by the 18-minute the Cheetahs had pounced on a stray ball and made it to the line, making the score 14-6.
There were, however, some moments of great ball handling and backline attack, with the Tahs moving the ball along the backline, quick ball from the ruck and attack running onto the ball. These moments resulted in the Tahs first try with Peter Betham making the line in the 26-minute, bringing the Tahs within a point.
The Waratahs continued to struggle throughout the half with Brendan McKibbin producing slow ball from the ruck, putting extra pressure on the attack.
After a messy period of play the Cheetahs took advantage of the Waratahs mistake at the breakdown pushing the score to 17-13 at the 33-minute mark.
However, minutes from the half time break the Waratahs were making metres down the field pushing through the Cheetahs defence, and although they lost the ball, the defence held strong and won the ball back, with Adam Ashley-Cooper eventually finding the line seconds from the half time siren.
This was the first time the Waratahs led the match and also the first time this season that the Waratahs went into the half-time break in front 20-17.
The second half started well with Michael Hooper making a strong line break and making great metres downfield, however, like routine, the Waratahs knocked the ball on.
Within ten minutes of the second half the Cheetahs had levelled the scores after two penalties in a row from the Waratahs, providing the Cheetahs an easy range kick.
As the ball continued to be lost by both teams, the Waratahs were given a chance to take the lead again after an infringement at the ruck; the Tahs used this advantage to take the lead making the score 23-20.
This was short lived however, as only minutes later the Cheetahs found gaps throughout the Tahs defence and found the try line taking the lead to 27-23, with only ten minutes left in the match.
The Tahs fought hard in the last minutes trying endlessly to cross the Cheetahs line and when presented with a penalty 22-metres from the try line, made the wrong decision and kicked for goal. Although the Waratahs were rewarded with the added three points, they had only five minutes left of the match to get themselves ahead of the Cheetahs.
This proved too hard for the Waratahs who lost the ball after the siren and ended the match, 27-26, one point below the Cheetahs.
With only nine points on the overall standings board the Waratahs will have to work hard to earn a win over the Blues at home next week.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.