Roar Guru
The Waratahs squeezed through for a 2-point win over the Stormers early on Sunday morning, pushing their case to return to the top of the Australian conference.
REPORT: WARATAHS HOLD OUT 14-MAN STORMERS
What a lucky win for the Waratahs. The great escape! It shouldn’t have been this close though, with the Stormers playing over 20 minutes of the second half with 14-men. The result was unfortunate for them really, they did exceptionally well to hang in there.
Good game of rugby overall, but both sides made numerous mistakes. Plenty or areas for both teams to improve ahead of next week, but similar to the game before, it was reasonably free-flowing with some great tries!
Final score
Stormers 30
Waratahs 32
The barnstorming Stormers play host to the struggling NSW Waratahs early on Sunday morning, in what is set to be a mouth-watering clash given the quality in both sides. Join The Roar from 3:15am (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
The Waratahs come into the match with a 3-4 record that has them third in the Australian conference. They’ll be boosted with some confidence from their 49-13 win over the Force last week, but face a much higher class of opponent this week.
The Stormers have a 6-2 record and last week took a 40-22 win over the Reds. They’re at the top of the Africa 1 conference right now and in no shortage of good form.
Former Waratahs captain Dave Dennis will play his 100th match for NSW, while head coach Daryl Gibson has been forced to make one change due to injury with Dennis taking the place of the young and talented Jack Dempsey.
For the hosts, coach Robbie Fleck has stated that the Waratahs, even with their poor opening to the season, will still be a tough ask to beat.
“We are determined to keep on progressing along the path we have embarked on this season, and the Waratahs will provide another serious challenge this weekend”, Fleck said.
Thankfully for the Stormers they welcome back a wealth of experience with co-captains Juan de Jongh and Frans Malherbe, Springbok Schalk Burger and JC van Rensburg all returning to the starting XV. Nizaam Carr shifts to flanker, while Oliver Kebble and Vincent Koch take spots on the bench.
The game is a must-win for the Waratahs, who have struggled to remain consistent this season. It would boost the NSW side’s confidence extremely if they were to triumph in this match-up.
Prediction
Unfortunately, I don’t think the Waratahs will get over what has been a dominant Stormers side.
Stormers by 11.
Join The Roar from 3:15am (AEST) for live scores and commentary.