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Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has been in strife for “chatting” with referee Jaco Peyper at halftime of the game with the Stormers, while his Waratahs have been in strife for playing well below their ability, and way short of expectations.
Not a positive formula to take on the unbeaten Hurricanes at the New Zealand capital, especially as the home side has never won eight in a row.
And they still haven’t.
Viewers were treated to a cracker of a rugby game, with ball in hand, ferocious tacking, highlighted by the ultimate risk and reward with the Waratahs running out 29-24 winners, and both sides crossing for four tries.
Somehow Cheika performed one of his Houdini coaching feats, despite the minor share of possession and territory.
The Hurricanes ran the ball 138 times to 112, chalking up 683 metres to 478, won the rucks 107 to 76, and missed 21 tackles to 31.
But the Waratahs bit the bullet, as wave after wave of Hurricane jerseys covered the paddock.
And after that rather pathetic 32-18 loss to the Stormers last round, every Waratah stood up and was counted.
Every one.
It was a game the Waratahs had to win, but as Tahs skipper Dave Dennis said post-match, “Not many gave us a chance.”
They didn’t, but between Cheika’s coaching and regaining their mojo, the Waratahs showed why they won the championship last season.
And when the Waratahs went on the attack, everyone played their part. Great rugby.
Israel Folau scored his 22nd try in 36 games, Will Skelton his first for the Waratahs in 32 games, and Wellington-born winger Peter Betham cracked a double in front of family and friends.
For the Hurricanes, openside flanker Ardie Savea was tireless, but he won’t be touching down for a try one-handed any more, as he did in the opening minutes and could well have cost his side the game.
Centres Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith seem to have been playing for generations – Nonu is 32, Smith 33 – but they are both still playing like teenagers.
And congratulations to lock Jeremy Thrush on his 100th – he’s been a loyal servant for the Hurricanes.
But I’ll leave the final word to Canes skipper Smith: “We played a good side, and we weren’t good enough.”